Dad asks for birthday messages for bullied son, is overwhelmed with heartwarming celebrity responses
Anyone who's anyone is wishing Olly happy birthday
Frankly, world, this is the kind of story that we all need right now.
It was a simple tweet, from a dad, whose son was being bullied at school – a scenario that surely every parent dreads – asking for some support.
Chris Hope-Smith, from Leeds, whose son Ollie has his 9th birthday coming up on 5 July, tweeted:
Strange request. Anyone know anyone famous/well known who could send Ollie a positive/9th birthday message. The bully keeps saying to him
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
that everything O has, he has bigger/better/more often. O excited for his birthday but keeps being told it won't be as good as his own
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
I would be so grateful and I appreciate it is an odd request. Just would love someone to tell him he does mean something & bullying is not
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
ok, ever. O I admit has his moments but seeing this other boy get away with this is harrowing. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Thank you
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
Before long, the message had gone viral, with a galaxy of stars piling in to wish Ollie a happy birthday, including a grime superstar, an Olympian, a Hollywood actor – and even an astronaut:
Ollie’s mum made a rare venture onto Twitter to express her gratitude:
Hi, I'm Ollie's mum (married to Chris). I don't 'tweet' and always go on at him for spending too much time on Twitter!! However, this time I
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
am completely overwhelmed by everyones kind thoughts. You do not know what this means to me and will to Ollie when we show him. I have been
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
battling with this matter for over a year and am only just now being listened to. It is heartbreaking listening to an 8 year old think that
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
he is worthless and 'shouldn't be here'. I know that we are definately not the only ones in the world to be going through this but I just
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
want to say, from the bottom of my heart 'Thank You' so much. You really don't know what this means, Natalie xx
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
While his dad also expressed his thanks:
Meanwhile, the messages kept rolling in:
HOW GOOD IS THIS ONE:
And even Monica Lewinsky!
Manchester City stepped up to the plate – for once, eh, Yaya?
It even reached a soul legend in the States:
There was an important reminder from Childline:
And also one of our favourite responses, from someone not famous at all, but with a poignant message.
(Main image: Twitter)
