Morpeth mates share formal after more than a decade of friendship

The pair have been mates for more than a decade, after meeting in kindergarten at Morpeth Public School.

In that time, the 17-year-old has taken Kaylha - who has cerebral palsy and is legally blind - to their year 6 farewell together in 2012, and then he again escorted Kaylha to their year 10 formal in 2016.

But after Lachlan left school to take up an apprenticeship in green keeping at East Maitland Golf Course, there were doubts about what would happen this year.

In his mind though, there was no question at all - he was going to be there beside her on her big day.

“It was a big deal for her. I think she really enjoyed the drive down and all that. She’s a really good family friend of ours,” he said.

“We’ve always been friends, and I really care about her. She’s unique and pretty hilarious when you actually meet her.”

Making a rockstar entrance in Lachlan’s ute, the pair – both from Morpeth –  were grinning from ear to ear and posed for a few snaps.

Dressed in a beautiful pink dress, Kaylha joined her peers in bidding farewell to their school days at Lindeman’s winery on November 14.

But for the young woman’s mother Rebecca Blinman, the act of kindness by Lachlan was the “highlight” of her daughter’s night. 

“You couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. It was very lovely. There are not many young people who would actually take time out of their afternoon to do that,” she said. 

The pair’s parents and friends took to social media to share the touching tale, which has received hundreds of likes, comments and shares. 

“It went pretty big. I’ve had heaps of messages from random people I don’t even know,” Lachlan said. 

“It’s been pretty good.”

Ms Blinman described her daughter as having a “heart of gold” who cherished the opportunity to spend time with her old friend.

“She’s very chatty. She does most of the talking but she’s got a heart of gold. As soon as you meet her, everyone loves her and it’s the same with Lachlan. He is a wonderful person,” Ms Blinman said.

“They’ve been special friends for such a long time. We are really grateful that he took the time out of his afternoon to do that for her.”