Racism victim overwhelmed by generosity following gift and letter delivery

Ashley Davies received presents and an invitation to a 9-year-old boy's birthday party

Ashley Davies and his family have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support following his speaking out about being the victim of racist abuse.

The 11-year-old received letters and gifts from across the UK from people who wanted him to know there is kindness and love in this world.

Last month Cornwall Live reported how the youngster has suffered at the hands of fellow pupils, saying he had been called a 'slave' and the n-word.

Ashley is of mixed race ethnicity and goes to a primary school in West Cornwall, which we have chosen not to identify.

Yet instead of enjoying his last year of primary education, Ashley has been the subject of hateful comments from other children, including names such as “black idiot”, “slave” and the n-word.

He joined the school in September after the family moved back to Cornwall from Liverpool, to enjoy a life beside the sea.

Ashley Davies was delighted with the support he has received from complete strangers

After bravely speaking out, the family were touched by the messages of support from across the county from strangers who were upset to hear of what he has been through.

Not only have people wanted to tell him that he is welcome here in Cornwall but people have also offered gifts, days out and requests of friendship for Ashley.

This week Ashley opened a raft of parcels and letters that had been sent from across the UK, which contained gifts and kind words..

The 11-year-old has thanked everyone who had sent him gifts or letters

Ashley said: "It is so nice. It feels so good for people to support me. Thank you for my gifts, it really means a lot. It has made me feel better and I am hoping it will be a lot better some day."

Among the letters was one from Georgia who wrote: "I'm reaching out to you from Newcastle to let you know how brave I think you are and how much your story touched me.

"Whilst some people may be intolerant, the world is full of lovely, kind and genuine people who would love to be your friend."

George, aged 8 from Blisford sent Ashley an invitation to his birthday party. He said: "I too am from a mixed race family and that is why I would like to invite you to my 9th birthday with my brother and our friends. I would love the opportunity to be one of your friends."

Yana told Ashley: "I grew up in Cornwall and being mixed race like you, I totally understand what you are going through. I really commend the bravery of you and your family.

"Take up your space knowing that whatever space you are in, there are hundreds of thousands of people cheering you on."

Pictured are Martin and Natalie Davies with their 7-year-old son Blake and 11-year-old son Ashley (Image: Greg Martin)

Ashley's mum Natalie herself, whose grandparents are originally from Jamaica, said she had been the subject of open racial abuse in the street while living in Cornwall.

“It’s constant,” she said. “I’ve been spat at in the street and I also get comments like: ‘You guys are alright because you work hard’.”

“I work as a carer and I was walking past a pub in Hayle a few weeks ago at about 9pm. I was going to care for someone’s grandmother and a group of men outside the pub shouted: ‘Look at the n***** nurse!”

Cornwall Live asked the school in question to comment but the head teacher declined, saying he could not comment on matters involving individual pupils.

via https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/racism-victim-overwhelme...