SUPPORTERS of a brain tumour survivor who has been laughed at in public are to walk with him along Bournemouth prom in a show of solidarity.
Chandy Green, 27, shared his experience of being jeered at by teenagers several times within weeks because of his disability.
In a video which has been seen almost 26,000 times on the social media platform TikTok, he said “leaving the house has become a challenge” after the incidents.
But the postgraduate student, who speaks about disability to schools and colleges, is using the experience to educate people about the prejudice faced by many people with disabilities.
The walk, dubbed Stand With the Chand, is open to all and will take place on Friday, June 17, 10.30am, from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier and back.
The idea came from businessman Gordon Fong, who knows Chandy through the local business community You Are the Media.
Mr Fong, born in Britain to Hong Kong Chinese parents, said: “As someone that has been on the receiving end of racist comments from adults as a teenager in the 1980s, the impact can be damaging and long lasting.
“I was hoping that in the 2020s we have moved on. The younger generation may seem more socially aware, and condemned as ‘woke’ at times, but there is still a minority that can hold those hateful views. Hate crimes still exist and to mock someone for their disabilities is sickening and purposely hurtful.
“As part of our business community, we wanted to show support to Chandos beyond just a 'like' or 'care' emoji. We wanted to show that we stand by him and this is what we are doing on the Friday walk.”
Mark Masters, founder of You Are The Media, said: “Chandy has been a part of the You Are The Media community since 2019 and when someone is having a hard time, it’s only right for others to help out and let them know they are there for them.
“It can be isolating going through something on your own. If there is a way for others to help out, no matter how small the gesture, then it is the group who supports.
“Stand With the Chand is an hour out of the day, recognising that no one needs to go through life looking over their shoulder or wary of what someone else thinks. We’ll walk together and we’ll get the sun out.
"I’ve come to realise that in business we have to ask for less from others and do more with them.”
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