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Fundraising page for boy with dwarfism in bullying video smashes expectations

A fundraising campaign for a bullied Queensland boy with dwarfism has raised more than $600,000 (US$397,000).

Queensland mum Yarraka Bayles shared video on Facebook of her nine-year-old boy Quaden distraught and crying after being bullied at school.

She had just picked him up from Carina State School in Brisbane.

“I just want to die right now,” Quaden says in the video through tears.

The boy’s mum says this wasn’t a one-off either and “every single freaking day” he gets bullied.

The heartbreaking video of Quaden sobbing has more than 16 million views.

Pictured is Quaden Bayles, 9.
Quaden Bayles, 9, sobs telling his mum of being bullied (left). Source: Facebook/ Yarraka Bayles and GoFundMe

And now a GoFundMe page, started by professional comedian Brad Williams who also has dwarfism, has raised more than $A280,000 in a day with that amount rising by the minute.

The campaign was initially aiming to raise US$10,000 but has gone gangbusters.

Williams wants to send Quaden to Disneyland in the US.

The GoFundMe lists the figure in US dollars because that’s where Williams is based.

“It really broke my heart when I saw Quaden and I want to do something about it," he told the ABC.

The NRL’s Indigenous All Stars team has also invited Quaden to lead them out onto the field when they face the Maori All Stars on Saturday.

‘You are stronger than you know’

Actor Hugh Jackman has also thrown his support behind the boy.

“Quaden, you are stronger than you know, mate,” Jackman said in a Twitter video.

AFL legend Leigh Matthews tweeted it “would be great to give Quaden a hug to show we care”.

“But long-term stopping the bullying of him or anyone else is a must,” he tweeted.

It also caught the attention of rugby star Quade Cooper.

“If you’re a bully watch this video,” Cooper tweeted.

“If you witnessed bullying watch this video. See the impact it’s having not just on our children. We have grown men and woman bullying. Big love to this little legend and I love your name too Quaden.”

The boy’s story hasn’t just caught the attention of Australia’s big names either.

Hollywood actor James Woods tweeted he was also bullied as a child.

“Hang in there, Quaden! You’ve got more friends than you know. I was bullied a lot as a kid. We’ve all been there. Go, Quaden!” Woods tweeted.

Eric Trump, the son of US President Donald Trump, tweeted the video of Quaden sobbing is “absolutely heartbreaking” but encouraged him to “stay strong”.

NBA player Enes Kanter tweeted, “the world is behind you” and offered tickets to a game.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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