08/02/2005

Beckham supports government anti-bullying campaign

England captain, David Beckham, came out to show support for the government's anti-bullying campaign today, by presenting the millionth campaign wristband to a young teenager.

The England captain jointed Schools Minister, Stephen Twigg, to present the campaign wristband to 13-year-old Cheshire schoolgirl, Jess Sparrow, marking the end of the BBC Radio 1/Department for Education and Skills Beat Bullying campaign.

The campaign, which was spearheaded by Radio One DJ Chris Moyles, encouraged young people across the UK to wear a blue wristband to show their support for the campaign. 100,000 wristbands were created for the three-month campaign, but all of these were allocated within 36 hours of the campaign's launch.

The campaign, which launched in November, attracted much media attention and celebrity support, including England football stars, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, Bono, Sharon Osbourne and Natasha Bedingfield.

David Beckham praised the campaign, and said: "It's a great honour to be asked to present this millionth Beat Bullying band. This is a cause which is close to my and every parent's heart. Bullying is something we all have a responsibility to stamp out.

Mr Twigg said that the Beat Bullying campaign had been a huge success. He said: "Beat Bullying has generated an overwhelming response from young people who have said 'enough is enough'. By making this stand, young people have shown their determination to stand by their friends and beat bullying in schools. We will continue to support all young people in our drive against bullying and all forms of bad behaviour in schools."

(KMcA/SP)

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