Dad's Twitter campaign for bullied son goes viral in the best way
The internet may be full of angry people and trolls, but sometimes it's just plain nice.
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On Thursday morning, Christopher Hope-Smith asked Twitter for help. His son Ollie was turning 9 soon, Hope-Smith wrote, but there was a bully who kept telling him his birthday wouldn't be "as good as his own".
Hope-Smith had other ideas, though. He wanted to make sure Ollie's birthday was his best so far.
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
Guys this has gone crazy and I appreciate all the wonderful messages. No names have been mentioned other than me & my children. I just want
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
to keep it like that, some people will know the bullies and I hope they keep names out of this. I started this with no malice & certainly
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
did not expect the reaction it has recieved. I for one thank each & everyone of you. I will respond as and when I can, I promise. Please
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
just be kind to each other #PASSONTHEPOSITIVE and please be nice.
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
The response has been absolutely overwhelming.
In the hours since, Hope-Smith's tweets have been shared well over 11,000 times. TV presenters, DJs, and celebrities have all responded to wish Ollie a happy birthday — and some have even offered him special gifts.
Happy birthday Ollie! You're a lil legend. ❤️⭐️🎉Don't watch the bullies they always end up being the biggest wastemen later in life
— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) June 29, 2017
Happy Birthday Ollie - what a great Dad to send this simple message to the world & remind us to be kind to each other! #passonthepositive 😍
— Regina Looby (@reglooby) June 29, 2017
Happy birthday, Ollie! 🎂
Fancy coming to see us in September? Let us know and we'll make it happen. 👍— England (@England) June 29, 2017
Hi Natalie &Christopher! And hello, Ollie! Ollie, please know bullying is never about the person who is bullied. This is not your fault.
— Chase Masterson (@ChaseMasterson) June 30, 2017
Hi Chris, saw ur message. Im not really famous but saw you're Leeds based so please send Ollie a big happy birthday from a Leeds Olympian!
— Tom Bosworth (@TomBosworth) June 29, 2017
DM me your private details and maybe on his birthday I can meet you guys and give Ollie some Olympic team GB kit?
— Tom Bosworth (@TomBosworth) June 29, 2017
Seriously?! That is more than generous. The greeting alone is fantastic. Following you now
— Christopher (@Hopenlesmyth) June 29, 2017
happy birthday Ollie. Ignore the bullies mate , they're only jealous 👍
— Reverend&TheMakers (@Reverend_Makers) June 29, 2017
happy birthday Ollie https://t.co/jjf4wZ0jba
— JasonManford (@JasonManford) June 29, 2017
Happy Birthday Ollie! Another year bigger, bolder, braver... And a better man than any of those bullies ever will be! Have an amazing day 👍
— Ore Oduba (@OreOduba) June 29, 2017
a big group of people the other side of the World to say a big Happy Birthday to Ollie from Kenya 🇰🇪❤️👍 pic.twitter.com/gCq3XWLnZT
— Matthew Norton (@Memusi_Matt) June 29, 2017
Hey Ollie, heard it was your birthday. 9 years old eh? Congratulations, Happy Birthday !!
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) June 29, 2017
Following the huge outpouring of support, Ollie's mum Natalie took to Twitter on Thursday evening to post the following update.
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
Happy birthday, Ollie.
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