Brian Birchell’s family knew he was being horrifically bullied at school – that the cruel taunts of his peers had a dangerous impact on his mental health – but they had no idea the 12-year-old would try to end his own life.
On Tuesday night the young Queensland boy’s mother heard a strange noise from his bedroom – and found him trying to end his life.
Brian Birchell, 12, pictured, is recovering in hospital after trying to take his life to escape school bullies who had hounded him for years
The youngster pictured with his brother Murray Benton, when the bullying at school prompted him to try to play soccer despite his medical issues
He was taken to Gympie Hospital – but later transferred to Lady Cilento Hospital in Brisbane – where he will have a medical team to help him through his recovery.
His family have been left devastated by the 12-year-old’s attempt to escape his tormentors – and his big brother Murray Benton, 24, is now on a warpath to stop bullying.
‘He has been bullied for a number of years – we moved him from school to school and thought it would stop at high school,’ Mr Benton told Daily Mail Australia.
‘But one of the bullies who had tormented him years earlier recognised him and so it started again.
‘We knew it was bad and had started arranging to take him out of school by organising teachers to help him at home, over Skype.’
Brian suffers from Hirschsprung’s disease, a bowel disorder, which means he has a tube in his stomach which is what bullies first picked up on when the torment started ‘four or five’ years ago.
Brian had hounded his mum to let him dye his hair brown – thinking he would be less of a target without his bright red locks – but it didn’t appear to work
Then it intensified because he wasn’t able to play sport.
‘He couldn’t join in with soccer or football and became segregated – it all started with his health issues,’ his brother said.
The bullies also teased him about his red hair, his freckles and his weight gain.
‘He pushed for ages to make mum let him dye his hair brown because of the bullying – she let him get it done eventually.’
But the change of hair colour didn’t stop the cruel taunts and bouts of physical violence.
‘He tried to get away from them and would go to the library where he had some friends. They would play chess together but that made things worse,’ Murray said.
The 12-year-old thought the bullying would stop when he went to high school – after changing primary schools half a dozen times to escape bullies
Now Brian is an ’emotional wreck’ as he lies in hospital in a neck brace following the attempt on his own life.
Only his mum is allowed to visit until a plan is made to help him get better.
‘About six weeks ago he told us he wasn’t in a good place and had hurt himself, we sent him to youth counsellors and four weeks ago got a letter back saying he was of a sound mind.
‘Four weeks ago he was told he was fine and there was no need for help, that isn’t good enough – if kids like him are turned away from help then this is what will happen.’
But since Tuesday’s failed attempt, Mr Benton and his mother have been searching for more answers.
‘I found conversations with other kids from his school who were also being bullied.
The youngster, pictured here on the way to a new school, was always nervous but hopeful when starting at a different school
‘They talked about wanting to die – and if they should all do it together – so it is also a reminder that parents should check their kids’ phones and tablets.’
The bullying has taken a drastic toll on the family – who have tried to help Brian through it.
But it is the sparkly personality – long forgotten that they miss the most.
‘All he ever wanted was to be accepted and be loved. He would do anything for anyone if you asked and had a very funny personality. He is nothing like that anymore.’
One of the children responsible for bullying Brian was given a three-day suspension from Gympie High School.
The family would like to see harder action taken on bullies – and classes showing how devastating it can be for the victim and their family.
For help call Life line on 13 11 14.
‘All he ever wanted was to be accepted and be loved. He would do anything for anyone if you asked and had a very funny personality. He is nothing like that anymore,’ Mr Benton said