Chesterfield birthday boy flooded with gifts and cards from around the world after mum’s plea goes viral

A Chesterfield boy who has felt a bit down in the dumps recently has been flooded with birthday gifts and cards from across the world after an online plea posted by his mum went viral.
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Bradley Conquest, who turned eight on Friday, is autistic and has been out of school for more than a year, meaning he has struggled to make new friends.

His mum Stephanie, of Heathcote Drive, Hasland, decided to put a message on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to send him a birthday card to prove to her little lad that people do care about him.

Birthday boy Bradley Conquest with some of the things he received from big-hearted people across the globe.Birthday boy Bradley Conquest with some of the things he received from big-hearted people across the globe.
Birthday boy Bradley Conquest with some of the things he received from big-hearted people across the globe.
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Stephanie's appeal ended up going viral after it was shared with her permission by volunteer group the Community Unity Project – and Bradley has since been inundated with countless cards, well-wishes and presents.

Stephanie, 40, said: “I honestly can’t put a number on how many things he’s received – it’s just absolutely wonderful.

“We want to thank everyone so much for all their gifts, cards and messages, which have come from both home and abroad, including Sweden and Canada.

“I wasn't expecting this kind of response from a desperate plea to make my little boy feel like he matters.

Would you look at all that!Would you look at all that!
Would you look at all that!
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“We really are overwhelmed by the generosity of people from around the world.”

The Community Unity Project was set up to help people during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

Stephanie gave the organisation permission to share her appeal on its Facebook group.

It was also shared on the Twitter account of one of the group’s co-ordinators, Barry O’Leary, who has nearly 17,000 followers on the site.

Bradley with one of his many gifts.Bradley with one of his many gifts.
Bradley with one of his many gifts.
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April Johnson, of the Community Unity Project, said: “The response has been absolutely incredible and we’re so happy for Bradley and Stephanie.

“This goes to show that community-spirit – both at home and around the world – is certainly alive and well.”

Stephanie added: “We’re so grateful to the Community Unity Project.

“When they asked if they could share my post I didnt think anything of it – but the response has been out of this world and shown Bradley and myself that there’s so many kind people out there.

“I can’t thank everyone enough.”

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For more information about the Community Unit Project, visit www.communityunityproject.co.uk.

From everyone at the Derbshire Times, happy birthday, Bradley – you’re great!

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