Bully Victim: “Gerrard changed my life”

16-year-old Joshua Dutton was a victim of bullying at school. His weight dropped drastically to 8st after he refused to eat due to emotional stress. Not knowing what to do, his mother Melissa wrote to Liverpool Football Club hoping Joshua’s idols could save his son from his misery.

Suprisingly, a couple weeks later, his letter was replied. And it was from his hero, Steven Gerrard.

Steven wrote: “My colleagues told me that you have had a few problems at school, but I just want to say keep your head up, keep smiling and work hard at whatever you choose to do.”

Melissa is touched by the kindness shown by Liverpool FC and Steven Gerrard.

Melissa said: “The bullying was relentless and severe and he became very ill.

“He wasn’t eating and became housebound. They had broken his spirit and taken the life out of him.

“But that letter from Steven Gerrard and the kindness shown by Liverpool Football Club gave us the strength to move forward and started road to recovery.

“We were given tickets to Anfield and it was the first time I had seen Josh smile in months. He was made to feel so welcome and was singing along - he felt safe again.

“It was a moment which will touch my life forever.”

Joshua added: “The letter really was amazing. It was signed by Steven himself and it gave me a lot of hope.

“The only thing I can say to other young people in a similar situation is speak to your parents.

“They are my rock. I told them everything and trusted them. And they came through for me.

Source Quote: This Is Glouchestershire