Boy who lost finger running from bullies starts new life after ‘painful’ ordeal
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A brave child who tragically lost his finger while running away from school bullies has moved areas with his family following the frightening ordeal.
Shantal Bailey said her 11-year-old son Raheem faced "constant bullying" and was forced to endure physical attacks at Abertillery Learning Community in Blaenau Gwent, Wales.
She claims he experienced racism since he joined the school in September last year and said it escalated when he was beaten up on the school grounds in May.
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The mum said Raheem desperately tried to escape them but seriously injured his right hand on the railings and had to get his finger amputated.
In a new interview with the BBC Shantal said: "It seems like he has constantly been bullied… He has always been at least name-called and mocked for his height."
She added that the abuse was not always racist but she claimed there had been some "proper racism" including, she alleged, use of the N-word.
"I don't think he understood 100% what the N-word meant," she said.
"Each day he had to build himself up to go in because he knew he was going to get picked on… That's painful, that a child has to almost prepare themselves before going into a place that's meant to be safe and tranquil."
Shantal believes it was telling that Raheem appeared to be relieved when she suggested they leave the area. In an interview with The Times she said the family had moved to England.
Shantal said: "I understand not everyone's home life is great so sometimes… They come to school and take it out. But it shouldn't be the child that's coming to school and behaving that's feeling the pressure."
Her fundraising campaign following the amputation raised £107,000 in donations for Raheem's treatment. Shantal is now looking into having a prosthetic fitted for her son.
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Gwent Police told the BBC that its investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The school has said the "wellbeing and safety of our pupils and staff remains of paramount importance."
A Blaenau Gwent council spokesman said: "The safety and wellbeing of all learners at Abertillery Learning Community has always been, and continues to be, of the utmost importance.
"We are continuing to work with Gwent Police as part of their investigation into an alleged assault of a pupil at the secondary campus site.
"Abertillery Learning Community is unable to offer any comments at this time due to the ongoing police investigation but an update will be provided when the investigation is concluded."
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