This week is World Autism Acceptance Week. To help mark this important awareness event, we wanted to look back at the inspiring story of George, a pupil at Arc Oakbridge School in Birmingham whose heroic acts we first shared last year. George sustained 17 wasp stings while saving another child from the insects.
Year 8 pupil George Moseley was on holiday in Devon when he became aware a child nearby was in distress. The youngster, who is autistic, heard screaming and with no thought for his own safety immediately rushed to help a smaller child who had fallen into a wasps’ nest and was being repeatedly stung.
George’s Mum Tammy said: “He thought the young boy had been really badly hurt and dashed over to help. Then he started to feel pain too and thought maybe they had both been stung by nettles but soon realised they were both covered in wasps. He started hand picking the wasps off of the little boy.
“He was quite badly stung himself in the process - 17 times – before the paramedics arrived and took over. Thankfully neither George or the young boy were badly affected by the incident, George was out back playing on his bike later that same day!
“We’re so proud of him and the caravan park the paramedics nominated him for a silver Blue Peter badge for his bravery and quick thinking. He was delighted to receive that.”
Tammy was full of praise too for Arc Oakbridge School, who she credits as having had an extremely positive impact on his life.
She said: “George has autism and it has taken him a long time to get to where he is now. He was out of education for two years and due to how anxious he was, he wouldn’t even leave the house. For him to be comfortable enough to be out and about playing with other children on holiday, never mind to rush off to help another child, is just wonderful.
“He had struggled in mainstream school and his anxiety spiralled. However, since he has been at Arc Oakbridge School he has come on so much. The team there are fantastic, they really understand autism and really understand George. Their support is fantastic, they’re so nurturing and understanding. Nothing ever seems too much trouble either. I never thought it would be possible for him to enjoy school again, but he does, he absolutely loves it there.
“He’s a loving and caring little boy and his teachers tell me how lovely, polite and caring he is at school too. Since he’s been at Arc Oakbridge, I’ve got my little boy back again.”