Preventing suicide since 2020 using his own inspirational story to help school children and adults all over the world.
Thomas, affectionately known as “T’Pot” or “The Flying T’Pot,” has faced more than his fair share of dark chapters in his young life.
His success in motorsport, achieved against the odds and on a limited budget, didn’t sit well with everyone. What should have been a childhood filled with excitement and chasing dreams became something far more painful.
Thomas became the target of relentless bullying, intimidation and threats, not just from children, but from adults too.
At one point, the abuse became so horrific that he was told to take his own life. He was even warned, “If you win, your family will suffer.”
Children would sing cruel songs about him at race meetings, sometimes in front of their own parents. Sadly, things took an even darker turn when those responsible discovered where our family lived.
The bullying was no longer confined to the racetrack or social media. It had reached the one place every child should feel safe their own home.
Despite everything, Thomas refused to give up on his dreams.
Today, those painful experiences are helping drive something much bigger than motorsport Words Do Hurt, our family’s mission to protect, educate and inspire the next generation.
Because no child should ever have to experience what Thomas went through.
Thomas did the right thing. Asked for help.
Thankfully Thomas’s voice was heard, his story traveled globally. As a result there has been major improvements in motorsport safeguarding.
The transparency of his journey has inspired many children all over the world. As a result from this we are delighted to share we received messages from separate family’s.
One message confirmed Thomas inspired there child from doing the unthinkable. They were so inspired so decided to make sure Thomas made it to cars. We are delighted to announce they are still with us today.
As parents we are so grateful for the support he received so as a family we decided to help Thomas raise awareness of the real risks of bullying.
He has proved that motorsport is accessible from all types of background. Many people attempted to ruin his dream so this is the reason why you will always see the quote “Never let anyone ruin your dreams” on his race car.
So, Why Do We Do This? Why have two cars ?
Thomas knows first-hand just how devastating bullying can be. Rather than allowing those experiences to destroy his dreams, Thomas has turned his pain into something positive. His powerful story of courage and determination is now reaching people around the world.
Every week, we receive heartwarming messages from families who have been inspired by his journey. Sadly, we also hear from parents who have lost loved ones to bullying. Those conversations are heartbreaking and remind us exactly why Words Do Hurt matters so much.
A Simple Act of Kindness That Changed Everything
Following an appeal for spare parts, Thomas was generously gifted a Ford Fiesta road car by one of his Facebook supporters, Mitchell.
The original plan was to use the car for parts to repair his race car after a crash. However, after inspecting it, we realised it was simply too good to dismantle.
We asked Mitchell whether he would be happy for us to keep the car on the road and transform it into something special to promote Thomas’s anti-bullying campaign. He was absolutely delighted.
And that’s where something incredible began.
After sharing the story on social media, we were invited to showcase the Words Do Hurt car at the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), giving people affected by bullying the opportunity to add names to the car.
Some signed their own names. Others wrote the names of loved ones they had tragically lost.
The stories shared with us were incredibly emotional. Every name added to that car represents a person, a family and a reason to keep going.
Taking the Message Beyond the Racetrack
We believe such an important message shouldn’t be confined to a racetrack.
Thanks to Thomas’s incredible network of supporters, the Words Do Hurt car has now appeared at major motorsport events, including BTCC and British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) weekends. The car has even travelled to the Nurburgring.
Thousands of spectators have had the opportunity to see the car, hear Thomas’s story and learn about the campaign. Children can even sit inside for photographs, creating special memories while helping spread a powerful message.
At one recent event, Thomas’s little Ford Fiesta became one of the most talked-about cars of the weekend.
Giving Something Back
Thomas doesn’t come from a wealthy background. His journey into motorsport has only been possible through determination, hard work and the generosity of some truly incredible people.
He appreciates every single person who has helped him chase his dreams, more than many will ever realise.
Words Do Hurt is his way of giving something back.
Turning the kindness he has received into hope for others, proving that even the most difficult experiences can inspire something extraordinary.
Because sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s life.
Pictured below: Thomas and the Words Do Hurt Promo car.
Winning Ford power live car show
Over 1,000 cars were on display at Brands Hatch for an incredible car show, and we were absolutely delighted when the Words Do Hurt car was crowned Overall Winner! 🏆💚
For us, this award means so much more than simply winning a car show. It demonstrates just how many people are getting behind our anti-bullying campaign and supporting our mission to make a difference.
The image below is a recent screenshot from one of our Facebook posts. Tap the image to read the full story.
Words Do Hurt – Banner Supporters
Meet some of the amazing businesses supporting the journey.
Our supporters’ banner is proudly displayed in our race garage at motorsport events, giving businesses the opportunity to support our race ing experiences and gain valuable exposure without needing to feature on the race car itself.
Our banner is updated and redesigned each month to welcome new partners, ensuring there is always room for more businesses to become part of our journey.
SPONSOR A SCHOOL RATHER THAN A RACE CAR
We have created a new way of supporting Thomas motorsport journey while giving back to the community.
This will allow us to keep the Prime Title sponsor “Words Do Hurt” on the race car.
Corporate Partnership & Classroom Sponsorship Programme
The Boy Who Got Bullied | Primary Education Pack
What if your business could help educate hundreds, or even thousands, of children about bullying, kindness and respect?
Through our national Words Do Hurt campaign, we are inviting businesses across the UK to sponsor primary school classroom education packs, helping deliver our anti-bullying programme to children aged 6–8 completely free of charge.
Starting from just £200 per classroom pack, your business can support 30 children with a structured educational programme, their own book to keep and a printed certificate recognising their completion of the course.
Whether you sponsor one classroom or multiple schools, your contribution can make a meaningful, measurable difference to children’s wellbeing while demonstrating your commitment to education and the communities you serve.
One Classroom. 30 Children. A Lasting Difference. Plus the children get to keep the book.
THE STORY BEHIND WORDS DO HURT
Words Do Hurt was founded by siblings Thomas Potter (15) and Catherine Potter (19), with the support of their family, following their own experiences of bullying.
As a family, we know first-hand how devastating bullying can be, not only for those experiencing it but for everyone around them.
We’ve witnessed the tears, the loss of confidence and the emotional impact that hurtful words can have.
Rather than allowing those experiences to define their future, Thomas and Catherine decided to turn something painful into something positive.
Thomas, a young racing driver who began karting at just six years old, proudly carries the Words Do Hurt message on his racing car, raising awareness at motorsport events across the UK.
Together, Thomas and Catherine have used their experiences to encourage kindness, respect and the courage to speak up, helping other young people understand they are not alone.
Their journey inspired The Boy Who Got Bullied, a children’s book based on their real-life experiences, designed for pupils aged 6–8 (Years 2 and 3).
The book explores the emotional impact of bullying, the power of words, friendship and the importance of supporting others.
Now, through their classroom education programme, they are taking that message directly into primary schools, where they hope it can make a lasting difference.
“We cannot change what happened to us, but together, we can help change what happens to the next generation.”
SUPPORTING PRIMARY SCHOOLS ACROSS THE UK
With schools facing increasing financial pressures, we believe access to important anti-bullying education should never depend on a school’s budget.
Our mission is to provide the Words Do Hurt Primary Education Pack to schools across the UK completely free of charge, made possible through the support of corporate partners.
Each sponsored classroom receives a comprehensive four-week, teacher-led programme using The Boy Who Got Bullied to encourage discussion, empathy, kindness, respect and the importance of speaking up.
Through structured activities and creative exercises, pupils are encouraged to understand how their words and actions affect others.
Every classroom also receives a special video message from Thomas Potter, allowing children to hear directly from the young racing driver whose experiences inspired the book.
On completing the course, every child receives a printed certificate of completion and their own copy of the book to take home and keep.
This encourages important conversations to continue at home, extending the educational message to parents, carers and families.
The impact doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It reaches homes, families and the wider community.
CORPORATE CLASSROOM SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
We offer two straightforward sponsorship options, allowing businesses of all sizes to support individual classrooms, entire schools or larger regional programmes.
PRIMARY EDUCATION PACK
£200 PER CLASSROOM
Help provide anti-bullying education to 30 children.
Your sponsored classroom receives:
- 30 copies of The Boy Who Got Bullied
- 30 printed certificates of completion featuring your company logo, awarded to pupils on completing the course
- A comprehensive four-week, teacher-led education programme
- A special classroom video message from Thomas Potter
- Delivery directly to the participating school
- A digital sponsorship certificate for your business to share online
Your organisation will be recognised on the children’s completion certificates, demonstrating its commitment to supporting education and tackling bullying.
BRANDED PRIMARY EDUCATION PACK
£250 PER CLASSROOM
Everything included in the £200 Standard Classroom Pack, plus enhanced company recognition.
For an additional £50 per classroom pack, your business also receives:
- Company logo featured on the front cover of all 30 books
- Company logo featured on the rear cover of all 30 books
- A tasteful “Proudly Sponsored By” acknowledgement
The additional branding extends recognition of your support beyond the classroom as children take their books home to share with their families.
All branding is incorporated professionally and sensitively, ensuring the educational message remains the priority.
Both packages provide the complete programme to participating schools completely free of charge.
Businesses can sponsor multiple classroom packs, select schools within their local communities or support programmes across several business locations.
Bespoke corporate partnerships, customised books and larger regional or national sponsorship opportunities are also available.
MEASURABLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Our sponsorship model provides a clear way for businesses to demonstrate the number of children they are helping.
Each classroom pack is designed to support 30 pupils, allowing your organisation to increase its impact by sponsoring additional classrooms.
|
Classroom Packs Sponsored |
Children Reached |
|
1 classroom pack |
30 children |
|
2 classroom packs |
60 children |
|
5 classroom packs |
150 children |
|
10 classroom packs |
300 children |
|
25 classroom packs |
750 children |
|
50 classroom packs |
1,500 children |
|
100 classroom packs |
3,000 children |
Figures are based on 30 pupils per classroom. Actual numbers may vary depending on class sizes.
For example, sponsoring five classroom packs could help provide 150 children with educational resources, printed completion certificates and their own books to take home.
Businesses can support local schools, communities surrounding their offices or multiple locations across the UK.
Every classroom sponsored means more children learning about kindness, respect and the importance of speaking up.
WHY PARTNER WITH WORDS DO HURT?
Sponsoring a Words Do Hurt classroom pack is more than a traditional sponsorship opportunity. It allows businesses to invest directly in children’s education while supporting wider corporate and community objectives.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Demonstrate your commitment to children’s wellbeing, education and the prevention of bullying through a meaningful community initiative.
Local Community Engagement
Support primary schools and families in the communities where your employees, customers and stakeholders live and work.
Measurable Social Impact
See the number of classrooms sponsored and children supported, providing a clear measure of your organisation’s contribution.
Positive Brand Recognition
Receive recognition on printed pupil completion certificates, with additional book-cover branding available through our enhanced sponsorship package.
Employee and Customer Engagement
Share your involvement through websites, social media, newsletters and internal communications, giving your employees and customers a positive cause to support.
Long-Term Educational Value
Each participating child takes their book home after completing the programme, helping extend its message beyond the classroom.
This isn’t simply sponsoring a book. It’s investing in children, education and the future of our communities.
BECOME A WORDS DO HURT CORPORATE PARTNER
Sponsor a Classroom. Support a School. Help Change a Child’s Future.
Our ambition is to make the Words Do Hurt Primary Education Programme accessible to as many primary school classrooms across the UK as possible.
By bringing together independent businesses, local employers and major national organisations, we hope to remove financial barriers and give more children the opportunity to learn about bullying, empathy and respect.
Whether your organisation sponsors one classroom pack or supports hundreds of classrooms, every contribution helps us take another step towards this ambition.
We cannot change what happened to Thomas and Catherine, but by working together, we can help change what happens to the next generation.
Become a Words Do Hurt corporate partner and help us bring anti-bullying education into more classrooms across the UK.
Never let anyone ruin your dreams.
Your Business. Your Community. Their Future.
Words Do Hurt
The official Racing Against Bullying campaign built from motorsport for everyone.
This is not simply a campaign placed on a race car. It is a driver-led platform with the potential to reach far beyond the track through racing, digital storytelling, businesses, schools, communities and the people who choose to stand with it.
Partner With Purpose
Talk to the Team
We are delighted to announce MGH as our first partner to purchase classroom packages.
