A TEN-year-old boy’s inspiring talk at TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells, which is designed to profile ‘ideas worth spreading’, has been watched more than one million times.
Edward Foreman, of Tunbridge Wells, spoke at the event last year at the Assembly Hall, recalling how he persuaded his family to let him have a facial mole removed.
This week the talk titled ‘If You’re Unhappy, Change Yourself’ became the first TED talk given in Tunbridge Wells to top one million views on YouTube, attracting shares and widespread acclaim.
Edward, who at the time attended St James Church of England Junior School, opened by
saying: “You might be wondering ‘why is a ten-year-old on stage?’ but I have done something brave in my life.”
The local grammar school student explained how his compound nevus mole led to remarks about ‘having mud on his face,’ when he started playing for Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club.
“I feel great now,” he said, on having the medical procedure in October 2015, which
required a “scary,” general anaesthetic.
“My final words are to you: If you don’t like something about yourself, change it.
“Be brave. You have the courage.” Edward was one of several speakers at the
conference.
He added: “I am really pleased the talk has been watched so many times. I never expected it to do so well.
“The whole experience of TEDx has been amazing and I encourage anybody who has
an idea worth spreading to be brave and take that step”
Lizzie Bentley-Bowers, event chairman, said: “The whole team is delighted to have reached this milestone, for Edward and as a testament to an event which we hope will continue to inspire our town.
“We are excited to now be in the throes of planning our 2018 event where we look forward to sharing more incredible stories and ideas. “We’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to volunteer and be part of the team that makes it happen.”
TED is working with town schools ahead of their next event in 2018, with details to be announced later this year.
To watch Edward’s talk visit www.youtube.com and search ‘Edward Foreman’.
