Published at 11:38, Monday, 14 April 2008

There can’t have been a Cumbrian with a dry eye on Saturday when Carlisle Cathedral Chorister Andrew Johnston sang on national TV in defiance of bullies and for love of his music.

In competition for a place in ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent contest, Andrew’s performance was only minutes long but his rendition of Faure’s Pie Jesu made a towering statement of huge significance about what it takes for young people to stand against intimidation that has become such a large part of so many children’s lives.

Bullied for his love of church and classical music – picked on for being perceived as different – Andrew nevertheless pressed on, choosing to sing and make something of his life over hanging around streets with those who ridicule him.

Facing down bullies is no easy matter for anyone of any age. It takes courage and a strength of character that has to be found from deep within, when fear and an instinct to conform to lowest common denominator present the least challenging options.

He’s just 13 but Andrew Johnston overcame all personal obstacles to triumph over those who persist in targeting him for humiliation. He did it with dignity, talent and courage, making monkeys of bullies today consigned to the shallows of wasted lives.

And in doing so he became the pride of Cumbria.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk