A BOY, 15, took his own life after he was bullied by “so called” friends, an inquest heard.
Jack David Allott, from Barnsley in , tragically died on January 17 this year shortly after being rushed to hospital.
Jack David Allott took his own life on January 17 this yearCredit: Darton, Mapplewell and Staincross Community / Facebook
The teenager was described as ‘just such a happy, nice, loving, generous boy’Credit: Darton, Mapplewell and Staincross Community / Facebook
The “loving” young farmer had written a note apologising to his parents, who have paid a heartbreaking tribute.
An into Jack’s death, opened by coroner Rebecca Connelly, heard the teenager had attended The Darton Academy.
His devastated mum Sarah described him as “just such a happy, nice, loving, generous boy”.
The hearing heard how the 15-year-old loved being in nature and had a passion for farming.
But Jack began to struggle at school towards the end of last year and would frequently ask to stay home.
The brave youngster eventually revealed to his family in January he was being bullied.
“He was just so nice and he was just a target for them because he was so nice,” Sarah told the inquest.
Jack’s parents removed him from Darton Academy but sadly Jack took his life a short time later.
Sarah told the inquest her son had left a note apologising to her and his dad.
“I knew as soon as I found the note”, she said.
“I know it word for word – I only looked at it once.”
Sarah also told the inquest Jack’s school “dismissed” her worries over bullying.
Coroner Ms Connell concluded that young Jack died by suicide.
She told the family: “I don’t know how you go forwards but I know you will and I wish you all the very best for the future.”
Following the inquest, Sarah paid tribute to her son and said: “He was just lovely; friendly, generous, thoughtful. Just beautiful, sensitive. Loved his animals, loved his tractors.
“He was my number one.”
Mourners gathered together to pay their respects to Jack on February 28.
The Tractor Lads around Penistone are now planning on holding a Christmas tractor run on November 29.
Jack’s tractor will be driven to raise money for youth suicide prevention charity Bee Kind for Honey.
On January 21, Darton Academy wrote a “principal’s update” on their website, which reads: “It is with great sadness that Darton Academy confirm the loss of a valued member of our school community, Jack Allott in Year 10.
“Our thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“Our Academy is working with partner agencies to support both staff and students in navigating this difficult path.
“Please be aware that Jack’s family do not want balloons or lanterns releasing in memory of Jack, due to the damage that they cause to animals, farmland and the environment.
“We have included links to a number of support agencies and networks on the Academy website’s Student Safety page.”
The Darton Academy was contacted for comment.
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
