A Video, Glass Blades, and Darts Escape…
Meet Alex McGarrie, a young chap just trying to survive high school while mastering Xbox, football, and darts. But instead of enjoying typical teenage mischief, Alex’s life has been more “hell school” than “high school,” according to his dad, David. Plagued by vicious bullies, Alex has found more serenity hanging at the family caravan in Wales than in the classrooms of Hazel Grove High School in Stockport.
The bullying peaked when a video emerged of Alex playing a starring role as the victim in a slapstick-style assault, sans the laughter. His dad suspected the bullies targeted Alex because of his autism, but the school’s response has been quieter than a librarian at a silent retreat. One teacher-recommended strategy? Borrowing ties, courtesy of bullies throwing them out of bus windows.
David didn’t need a magic eight ball to see the future; he knew this needed to stop. A meeting with the headteacher revealed they couldn’t guarantee Alex’s safety – raising the stakes higher than a darts tournament final. For now, Alex finds solace in darts with friends who throw ‘bullseye’ compliments instead of mocking jabs. Meanwhile, the McGarries are in powwow with Stockport Council to enroll Alex in a safe school, where he’s hoping the only hits will be in the dart games.
