A young Meath boy who was being bullied has received a letter and teddy bear of support from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp who says that he will 'never walk alone' with the backing of the club.
Luke Carey-Boyle was overwhelmed by the gift to his Dunboyne home last Friday after his dad Oliver canvassed the Premier League manager in an effort to boost his son's self-confidence.
The nine-year-old who has difficulty with change has had to find his feet in a new school for special needs in Navan, which he started in September.
Oliver's heart was breaking listening as his son asked if he had a disability after hearing it while out playing, so Oliver decided to show his son how loved and important he really was.
"Oliver has sensory processing disorder, which is mild to severe learning difficulties and can struggle to reach the same levels as others his age," he said.
"His school in Dunboyne has always been amazing but we knew it would be unfair to Luke and everyone to let him struggle on in mainstream education and we were extremely lucky to secure a place in Navan.
"Change for him is a big deal. So on top of telling him he's changing school, he gets bullied by kids while out playing and he is devastated when this happens and wants to know why no-one will play with him.
"It's absolutely heartbreaking to hear Luke ask me and his mum Caitriona if he has disabilities.
"He is such a terrific boy and is so loving and helpful with his four-month-old brother Ben.
"I wanted to show him how important he was and boost his self-confidence so I got in contact with friends and family who sent lovely messages of support
"Some days, he feels really down and when this happened, I got the idea of writing to Jurgen Klopp with our story, not really thinking I'd hear back.
"I'm a huge Liverpool fan and so is Luke.
"When I got a message from DHL last week to tell me of an impending delivery, I really hadn't a clue what it was
"Then it arrived and we couldn't believe it. Luke was delighted.
"Jurgen is an absolute gentleman and just pure class to send him this. It makes him realise that is normal and no-one is made the same.
"We are all unique and special and I think he is starting to slowly believe in himself. Sometimes, all it takes is a small message from a hero or a leader to make all the difference in a little boy's life."
Luke Carey-Boyle with the teddy bear and letter he received from Jurgen Klopp.
The letter states: "Firstly, I hope you don't mind me writing to you. I just want to let you know that everyone in the Liverpool family is supporting you right now.
"That is obviously a lot of people and there are times when I stop and think about how many people are supporting the players and myself, it can blow my mind a little bit but the fact that we all stick together is what makes this club really special.
"I hope that on this occasion they will not mind that I speak for them when I say that we are all with you.
"This isn't just a saying either, it is something that really matters.
"When I hear my players talk about what helps them when times are tough, one of the things they all say is that the backing of the club and the supporters make a real difference
"The other thing they say is their own family matters more than anyone. I probably don't need to say this to you, though, because I have been told that you have a brilliant family around you.
"I have enclosed a teddy bear. I hope you like it.
"You'll never walk alone."
