A student who was bullied at school was given a night to remember when about 1,000 people on motorbikes showed up in solidarity to escort him to his prom. Craig posted an appeal online seeking support from the biking community in Swindon, Wiltshire, to help his son Josh end secondary school "on a high note". The 16-year-old arrived to prom in style on Friday after years of being "relentlessly bullied" by his peers for "being different". His father said: "We wanted him to have an end to the school chapter in his life with a bang, and not be overshadowed by all the negative". The gesture caught the attention of motorists from across the globe, with messages of support flooding in from Australia, South Africa, USA and China. "The response has been absolutely immense," Craig told BBC Radio Wiltshire. "We've had messages from all around the UK, even people internationally contacting us saying they're following the story." The family said the incredible turnout had "restored our faith in humanity", and proved that "bikers really are a family". Having just completed his GCSE exams, Josh plans to attend college with the goal of becoming a paediatric therapist to support children with physical, developmental, or psychological challenges. The teenager, who celebrated his 16th birthday on Saturday, said he felt "over the moon" to experience what he described as a "once in a lifetime opportunity". "I never thought it would blow up this much," he said. "Initially when this post went out, I wanted only two dozen bikers at the limit. I never thought it would reach internationally. "My heart is full for these bikers and all the people sending their love." His mother Frances said she was determined to show Josh love will always triumph over hate. "It shows Josh there is support from so many people," she said. "Even if he feels alone some days, he doesn't realise how many people have his back." Follow BBC Wiltshire onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or viaWhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Motorbike convoy escorts boy to prom after dad's plea
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Community Bikers Escort Bullying Victim to Prom in Heartwarming Gesture"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a heartwarming display of community support, a 16-year-old boy named Josh, who has faced relentless bullying throughout his school years, was escorted to his prom by a convoy of nearly 1,000 motorbikers. The initiative was sparked by a heartfelt plea from Josh's father, Craig, who reached out to the biking community in Swindon, Wiltshire, hoping to help his son conclude his secondary school experience positively. The response was overwhelming, with bikers and supporters coming together to ensure Josh arrived at his prom in style, showcasing a significant show of solidarity that resonated far beyond the local area. Craig expressed his gratitude, noting that the immense support received from people around the globe, including messages from Australia, South Africa, the USA, and China, has been profoundly uplifting for their family. He emphasized that they wanted this special night to overshadow the negativity Josh had faced in the past and to celebrate his resilience and achievements, particularly after completing his GCSE exams.
Josh, who aspires to become a paediatric therapist, was elated by the unexpected turnout and described the experience as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity.' Initially, he hoped for a modest gathering of about two dozen bikers, but the overwhelming response exceeded all expectations. His mother, Frances, highlighted the importance of this event in demonstrating to Josh that love and support exist even in difficult times, assuring him that he is not alone. The family's experience has not only reinforced their faith in humanity but also illustrated the strong bonds within the biking community, which Craig described as a family. This touching event serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and community in combating bullying and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel isolated.
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