An autistic Glasgow schoolboy left his 'proud' mum 'in tears' after his heartwarming reaction to Coldplay's Hampden gig went viral.
Oliver Murray endures 'explosive' meltdowns, intrusive thoughts and sensory issues which put him 'constantly in fight or flight mode'. Sometimes the symptoms of his autism leave him housebound.
Even going to shopping centres are a struggle for the 10-year-old who becomes overwhelmed with conflicting and background noises. So when Coldplay tickets went on sale his mum Nikki, 38, knew that while her brave son is a huge fan, getting to the gig, far less sitting through it, would be a challenge.
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Nikki and her husband, 42-year-old Alan 'took a chance' and, to their shock, Oliver was entranced by Chris Martin and co on Wednesday night. Not only did the Govan youngster attend the gig and sit through the whole thing, he enjoyed it and is desperate to get to another concert.
His tear-jerking reaction was caught on camera and the clip went viral, catching the attention of Coldplay themselves who commented that it 'made their day'.
Nikki, and NHS clerical officer, told Glasgow Live: "I bought the tickets knowing I might need to leave in the first song as he might get to overwhelmed or anxious. I only took him because of the light up wrist bands.
"Due to Oliver's sensory needs he loves lights, his bedroom is lit up like Blackpool. I think the lights help calm all his other senses."
She added: "We needed to plan and prepare him weeks in advance. We took him to Hampden when Calvin Harris was playing, after the crowds had gone in.
"We stood outside so he could hear how loud it was going to be and feel the vibrations. We talked through every crazy scenario he could think of."
As Coldplay opened with Higher Power, Oliver's face lights up as he took in the amazing fireworks and light-show that continued until the end of the chart-topping hit. In captions attached to the video, Nikki notes when she can tell he is 'fighting between nerves and enjoying' the gig.
All fears vanish when more fireworks are let off, as an elated Oliver is set up for a 'spectacular night'.
Nikki said: "The gig was spectacular and the atmosphere was beautiful. Everyone was connected in union but to see Oliver's reaction was magical.
"Oliver doesn’t get excited. We got absolutely no reaction from him when we told him we were taking him to Disney World in Florida.
"So seeing all the wonder on his face was so overwhelming. I cry every time I watch the video."
Oliver was diagnosed with autism when he was eight years old. He is also awaiting testing for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sensory processing disorder and anxiety disorder.
'Brave' Oliver was scared of his diagnosis at first but now 'sees it as his superpower' according to Nikki, who hopes the use of light shows are 'incorporated into more gigs to make them inclusive'.
She added: "Oliver did get overwhelmed and very anxious with the crowds going home even though we left before the last song. He was overstimulated and shattered when he got home but said it was worth it he would do it again.
"He said he would love to go see Sam Fender next. I’m uncertain if he’ll manage the next concert as well without the lights but we will give it a go.
"I think taking Oliver to the concert has planted a seed in his head that is capable of doing things he didn’t think he could. I think he has gained a lot of confidence from it.
"I tell Oliver all the time, being brave is being scared to do something and do it anyway. Oliver has said he is proud of himself for being so brave."
Coldplay's reaction to the clip didn't go unnoticed by viral sensation Oliver.
"I was stunned Coldplay took time to reply to the video", Nikki said.
"I am so glad they got to see the happiness they created. Oliver was so happy too, he said “Coldplay are now my friends. He asked his Auntie if she wanted his autograph."
In the wake of their amazing progress, Nikki urges parents and carers whose children have to overcome similar obstacles to 'push themselves'.
She said: "All the best things in life or on the other side of fear or just outside our comfort zone but I think that applies to everyone in life. We all need push ourselves to say 'yes' more to life and experience as many new things in life a we can.
"I know how hard it can be hard it can be being a parent of a ASD child, not knowing if they will be able to keep up with there peers or worrying your failing to meet their needs but if you plant enough seeds of positivity within them eventually they’ll get the courage the water it and let themselves."
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