Rylan and Lucy: ‘Back Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk to beat bullying’

Rylan Clark and Lucy Spraggan – this year’s Celebrity Big Brother winner and fan favourite from last year’s X-Factor – have thrown their support behind Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk. The Walk takes place on Bank Holiday Sunday 5 May, and raises funds for the gay equality charity’s work to tackle anti-gay bullying in schools –

Rylan Clark and Lucy Spraggan – this year’s Celebrity Big Brother winner and fan favourite from last year’s X-Factor – have thrown their support behind Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk.

The Walk takes place on Bank Holiday Sunday 5 May, and raises funds for the gay equality charity’s work to tackle anti-gay bullying in schools – and the charity is aiming for its most successful Walk to date.

Lucy said: ‘No one should be bullied because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. It’s shocking that in 2013 young people in schools have to go through this – and Stonewall’s work tackling homophobic bullying is absolutely crucial.’

Rylan added: ‘We’ve had first-hand experience of homophobia and know just how hurtful it can be. If it’s not challenged and dealt with it can spiral out of control, so we hope everyone will get involved and sign up for the walk. It can really make a difference.’

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk has raised nearly £400,000 for the charity’s Education for All programme. More than half of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people experience homophobic bullying in Britain’s schools – and almost all (99 per cent) hear phrases such as ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school.

The walk, which is supported by American Express with media partners g3, Out in the City and Out News, attracted nearly 600 participants to the city in 2012. For more information and to register visit www.equalitywalk.org.uk or call 020 7593 2294.