An 18-year-old from Fochriw has told how he beat the bullies and found his voice with hit choir Only Boys Aloud.
Rikki Pullen beat the bullies to reach the final of Britain’s Got Talent, as a part of the Welsh singing group.
The Ystrad Mynach College student was targeted at school for not living up to the expectations of a ‘real boy’, as he didn’t enjoy sports and was largely musically orientated.
But with support from his tutors, Rikki, 18, ignored the jibes from the bullies and has excelled as a part of Only Boys Aloud.
The former Rhymney Valley Comprehensive student has been singing since he was 11-years-old, but also has a passion for helping develop the youth of tomorrow.
Rikki is currently studying CACHE Level 2 Support Work in School – a course which teaches child development, safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, communication and relationships and equality.
Rikki said: “It’s crazy walking down the street and having people recognise me from the TV, and it’s great that others acknowledge that young people are achieving and not just hanging around on street corners.
“But, I must say that the support from my teachers was so important in shaping the person I am today. When I was being bullied it was a tough time, and it wasn’t a nice thing to go through.
“Although, in a way, I’m glad I went through it because I have come out a stronger person and it wouldn’t have happened if my tutors hadn’t told me to ignore the bullies, carry on singing and be myself.
“Now, I’m looking to give something back and support teachers in developing the next generation, as I find helping others so rewarding.”
Rikki’s tutor at The College Ystrad Mynach, also a singer in her spare time, Emma Baxter, added:
“Rikki is fantastic to teach and is so enthusiastic. He’s extremely supportive of the other students and draws on his experience of his previous work placements in secondary schools.
“He has a really demanding schedule at the moment, with the release of their upcoming albums, but you wouldn’t know it with the standard of his work. In fact, we didn’t know it – he didn’t tell us he was part of Only Boys Aloud for months.”
Bryn Davies, Principal of The College Ystrad Mynach, said: “We’re delighted to have such a talented student in Rikki, who boasts both a passion for his singing but also a determination to succeed in a career in the teaching profession.
“We also pride ourselves in our teaching staff and the teachers are always here to support every student in every way they can, and our staff will always look to support students in their academic careers and other interests.”
I know someone that is in OBA and is seriously getting bullied both outside and inside school because of he is part of it.
Those people are jealous nasties that need to find an interest of their own.
I hope that OBA go all the way and do really well!!
Absolutely amazing!! I cannot sing at all but have always appreciated music and especially vocal renditions, but I have never been so impressed with any other group or lone performer as I have been by your choir. Congratulations on a very, very well done effort. I hope that OBA comes on a tour of Canada. I would definitely attend any performance they do. Hopefully they can make Victoria, British Coulmbia one of their performance Venues. Here's hoping. Best wishes and please keep up the good work. Ken Halbert, a very big fan.
AMEN, AMEN! Beautiful and fantastic singing. Tim, the gift you have with these boys is unbelievable. You give of your time and talent over and over again. They respect you and want to do right by you. As for the bullying, these people are jealous, and don’t want to see anyone enjoy themselves because they are not involved.