Bikers gather in support of young Max Begley, and speak out against the hatred he endured by a disgruntled neighbour.

IMG_7194-1An anonymous Newcastle neighbour recently wrote a hateful letter that was dropped into the mailbox of the family of an autistic boy. The insensitive person thought that 13-year-old Max Begley, who is autistic, was “a nuisance” and used other offensive language to describe the young boy.

Identifying herself as “One pissed off mother” she went on to say that young Max “should be euthanized” because of his condition. Max’s grandmother, Brenda Millson, who opened the letter, was devastated, as was his mother, Karla.

Local motorcyclist Rob Cochrane wanted to do something to speak out against this atrocity, so he contacted some friends, and on the evening of August 23 they gathered at a Tim Hortons in Newcastle. More than 300 motorcyclists rolled up in support of Max.

With Durham Regional Police providing traffic control and escort duties, the motorcyclists paraded through town, arriving at the Millson’s home, where goodwill and support were expressed towards the Begley family. Heading the parade was young Max on the back of a family friend’s motorcycle, beaming from ear to ear.

Congratulations go to Rob Cochrane and the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers for doing the right thing.