Skip to content

Motorbike convoy escorts boy to prom after dad's plea

Bea Swallow
BBC News, Wiltshire
Reidy’s Photos A teenager sitting on the back of a motorbike being ridden by a man in a black leather jacket with a beardReidy’s Photos
Josh arrived at his prom in style

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".

Reidy's Photos A large convoy of motorcyclists driving down the road, with puffs of smoke coming from their exhausts. Reidy's Photos
The teenager described the motorbike escort to prom as "exciting and overwhelming"

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".

Reidy's Photos A large convoy of motorcyclists driving down the road while spectators look on from the pavements.Reidy's Photos
The teenager arrived to prom in style, accompanied by about 1,000 bikers

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."

Ross Bisley An aerial image showing hundreds of people gathered around Josh in a car park. The ground is barely visible as the crowd is densely packed together, and there are lots of motorbikes parked in spaces. Ross Bisley
Some people had driven more than three hours to attend the event

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 on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More stories like this