UK could get Attenborough Day bank holiday thanks to boy, eight

Wales Online

6 hours ago

UK could get Attenborough Day bank holiday thanks to boy, eight
Lyle, from Newport, could prompt the Government to declare a national day off next year
Sir David Attenborough addresses the UK Climate Assembly (Getty)
The UK could get a new bank holiday dedicated to broadcaster David Attenborough, thanks to an eight-year-old boy. Lyle Porretta started a petition two weeks ago for an assignment given to him by his school, calling for a national day off for David Attenborough's 100th birthday.
Lyle was tasked with researching Sir David Attenborough when he discovered that next year marked his 100th birthday. As part of his homework, Lyle set up the petition declaring a national Bank Holiday to mark the occasion.
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The petition describes the holiday as a "way to honour his incredible contributions to our planet" every year. It was shared by his mum, Sophie, 36, and a few close friends and family who "loved the idea". Lyle "thought nothing of it" until 10 days after it was set up, when it had reached 20,000 signatures.
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Lyle Porretta, 8
A petition that reaches 10,000 signatures is acknowledged by the Government and one that hits 100,000 is considered for debate. Mum, Sophie, a data analyst, from Newport, Wales, said: "I'm super proud of him. Lyle was keen on researching David Attenborough because he had watched all of his TV series before.
"He's always been interested in wildlife - especially oceans and sustainability - and saw David as an inspiration. I'm not sure where he got the Bank Holiday idea from - maybe he wanted an extra day off school. But to see the response and support, it seems many other people love the idea too."
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Lyle began the petition on June 10, after discovering that next year, May 8, would mark Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday. He thought it was really cool and fitted in well with what he was doing in school," Sophie said.
"We watched Blue Planet together and he became really engrossed in the project."
Sophie says her son "loved" learning about all things wildlife and nature. "Growing up, he would go onto YouTube to watch a lot of weird and wonderful facts about the world," she said.
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Lyle Porretta, with his mother Sophie Porretta
"He became just a fountain of knowledge and it was clear to see he was interested. When he approached me about the Bank Holiday, it made sense and I thought it was a great idea. So we started a petition, only sharing it amongst close friends and family."
The petition was posted on Change.org and, after a week, it already had 800 signatures. But a few days later, "out of nowhere", the petition soon boasted over 20,000 signatures.
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"We have no idea where it came from," Sophie said. "But myself and Lyle are incredibly excited about the support. A lot of people have commented, sharing their thoughts about the Bank Holiday and it has all been positive. We've had people say that we should use the day for us all to do some good in celebration - like an activity.
"Hopefully, we'll get some acknowledgement and perhaps see something come from the petition. But it has certainly made Lyle more determined to carry on the work of David Attenborough. It has brought a huge smile to his face."
Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/declare-a-bank-holiday-for-david-attenborough-s-100th-birthday