READERS of The Whitehaven News have spoken out in support of a young man from Gosforth as he took his stand against bullying.

Round-the-clock bullying during his school life left 17 year-old Oliver Hodgson feeling isolated and confused. So in 2019, he made the decision to leave education behind and take the reins on his self-started business, Platinum Live – an events management and digital communications agency.

But to mark Anti-Bullying Week, Oliver spoke out in support of those experiencing the same, urging them to put their mental health first.

Oliver said: “I’ve experienced years of off and online bullying in various forms – slanderous graffiti in toilet cubicles, being spat at as I walked through the corridors and vile forms of online bullying, that my mum couldn’t avoid seeing.”

“I knew for my mental health, I would have to remove myself from school – and trust that I could still map out a successful life in my own way.

Readers praised Oliver for speaking up. Janis Talbot said: “Well done for speaking out Oliver. You shouldn’t have had to make a choice between an education and your mental health. Wishing you every success, young man.”

John Knox said: “Well done lad, positive role model.”

Teresa Ancell said: “Well done for highlighting this. I have spoken to you and if anyone can inspire young people who have been bullied it’s you.”

Tony Hetherington said: “A young and up and coming entrepreneur from what I understand as well – well done young man.”