The mum of teenager Steven Simpson who was set on fire at his 18th birthday party has backed anti-bullying messages from Barnsley Gay Pride.
Organisers of the event were given special permission to dedicate it to Steven, who was from Cudworth, by his mum Bernadette. She was a guest of honour at the event on Sunday.
She said: "There was a police officer who spoke and asked people no matter what their colour or creed to always come forward and tell the police about bullying. That was a good message."
Her son, Barnsley College student Steven, died after sustaining significant burns last June. Jordan Sheard, 20, of Darfield Road, Cudworth, was jailed for three-and-a-half years for manslaughter.
Prosecutors claimed Steven, who had Asperger's Syndrome and learning difficulties, was targeted due to his disability and sexuality and protesters later said the sentence was not tough enough.
Bernadette said this week: "The media attention has been exhausting and nerve-wracking - I have been on TV and in magazines - and Darren (her partner) and I are looking at going on a seaside break in October."
She said her life was not the same without Steven around but she tried to keep busy, going to classes in computers and English and doing voluntary work.
She said: "Steven's ashes are in Grenoside, Sheffield, and we have been to visit. I am thinking of getting a little stone heart for him with 'from mum' on it."
She added: "Gay Pride got me a T-shirt with Steven's picture on to remember him by, and that was very moving."
