A GRATEFUL mum has thanked a teenager who took time out to give her son much-needed inspiration.

Rachael Lawrence’s son, Josh, who is nine, suffers from dyspraxia, a condition which affects his co-ordination and movement.

As a result, learning to ride a bike has been a difficult journey for Josh and he frequently falls off during his determined efforts to learn.

However, when Josh was visiting his dad, James Lawrence, 40, at his home on Ramsey Road, Halstead, he tried to master the skill in a nearby park.

Rachael, 38, of Plains Field, Braintree, said: “There was quite a big gang of teenagers there in a corner of the field under the trees with BMXs, probably to use the ramps and stunt area.

“They were about 15 or 16, I reckon, and Josh had been riding not far from them.

“I wasn’t there, but Josh’s dad and his girlfriend messaged me about what was happening.”

But instead of being menacing, one of the youngsters, Devon Raven, 14, from Braintree, approached Josh to offer words of support.

Rachel said: “They were going home for the day when a lad from the group just said how he though Josh was doing so well.

“It was really nice of him to come and ask how long Josh had been riding.

“He said Josh was doing well and he was impressed how Josh kept getting back on and going again.”

She explained: “This was a big deal for him.

“I saw him afterwards and Josh was just glowing.

“A compliment is one thing, but to come from a complete stranger and someone he might potentially look up to was is fantastic.

“Josh’s confidence is simply sky high and you should see how his attitude has changed.”

Following the event, Rachael took to Facebook to try to track down the stranger who had been so kind.

His mum Vicki Raven got in touch and Devon’s identity was revealed.

Rachael added: “She immediately knew it was about her son.

“Speaking to him, he was absolutely lovely and such a nice lad.

“I wanted to thank him by sending over some thank you pocket money.

“He has a little brother called Boston and instead of taking the money he asked his mum to use the money to buy something for his little brother.

“He’s so humble.”