Anti-Bullying Campaign After West Midlands Teenager's Suicide Attempt
5 May 2015, 12:09 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50
An anti-bullying campaign has been started by two Coventry boxers after a teenager tried to take his own life.
Bradley Parkes, 16, of Willenhall, Coventry, was found injured in woodland last month after months of bullying and was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital where he has since made a recovery.
Family friends and sportsmen Rhys and Llewellyn Davies decided to set up an anti-bullying campaign after they heard Bradley was in hospital.
"We need to create a culture where kids accept people for their differences and who they are and where they want to be," said Llewellyn.
"When a 16-year-old goes to the extent of trying to take his own life, someone has to be brave enough to talk up. Number one, you feel for his family, but you worry about the bully too. Why are they doing this? It needs to be addressed so that it's stamped out."
The brothers, known as The Terrible Twins, have already begun going into schools across the West Midlands to speak to children about what has happened to Bradley and why people choose to bully. Rhys said: "This is occurring every single day, all across the UK. You can feel sympathy but it can also be prevented. It can be stopped on a social level, in schools and educating people on how to conduct themselves so they don't fall victim.
"It's important that bullies can be given the chance to be who they want to be, so that they don't fall into the trap of blaming their circumstances," he continued.
listen to ‘Coventry boxers Llewellyn and Rhys Jones talk about their new anti-bullying campaign after teenager tries to commit suicide. ’ on audioBoom
West Midlands Police began an investigation into the circumstances around Bradley's suicide attempt.
Last month, they arrested a charged a 16-year-old boy from Willenhall, Coventry, with a knifepoint robbery which happened in Laneside, Willenhall, on Tuesday 20 January.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Magistrates on Monday 27 April and was remanded in custody.
Keep up to date on the campaign on Facebook.
West Midlands Police began an investigation into the circumstances around Bradley's suicide attempt.
Last month, they arrested a charged a 16-year-old boy from Willenhall, Coventry, with a knifepoint robbery which happened in Laneside, Willenhall, on Tuesday 20 January.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Magistrates on Monday 27 April and was remanded in custody.
A second boy, aged 13, has previously been charged in connection with the offence and pleaded guilty at court. He is currently remanded in a secure unit and is due to be sentenced on Wednesday 20 May.
Keep up to date on the campaign on Facebook.
