Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘I used to have a temper like the Incredible Hulk’
But National Lottery-funded boxing club helped bullying victim Alex control anger
SCHOOL wasn’t easy for Alex Mckeaveney. Diagnosed with autism at the age of nine, he suffered at the hands of cruel bullies who took joy in deliberately provoking him.
“For three years of school I was bullied and tortured ,” says Alex. “They would call me names and did things to bother me. I would get violent. I hit pillows – but I also lashed out at some kids at school once or twice, which I regret.”
Despite his tumultuous school days, Alex excelled academically, doing well in his GCSES and A Levels and going on to study Level 4 engineering at college. But still Alex faced challenges with his anger when people teased him.
SO FRUSTRATED
“As he was getting older, his anger was getting out of control,” explains his mother Anne. “He referred to himself as the Incredible Hulk.
“It took a lot to push him, but when you did he got very angry. He w o u l d g e t s o frustrated.”
So when National Lottery-funded Clonard Amateur Boxing Club opened up down the road from Alex’s home in West Belfast, Anne saw an opportunity to get some help for her troubled son.
“I messaged the coach Peter Graham, who I already knew from school,” says Anne. “I asked if Alex could join. I told him that Alex was autistic, and that he needed something for his anger and to help him control the sensory overload he struggled with. Peter said just to bring him along.”
It wasn’t easy for Alex to start boxing as he was nervous around new people, and was trying to steer clear of anything violent so he could stay out of trouble.
PROPER PUNCH
“I was terrified about using my full strength and breaking things,” says Alex. “But the coaches showed me how to control my strength, and helped me not let my anger get the better of me when I was punching.
“They taught me how to throw a proper punch and not hurt myself. I loved it. I got hooked.”
Alex’s love for the boxing club is very clear. “It’s a great atmosphere down there. It’s not like a regular gym – you just l augh and have a j o ke ,” h e e x p l a i n s .
Clonard Amateur Boxing
Club is just one of the many good causes benefiting from the £30million* raised every week when you play The National Lottery.
FITNESS BOOST There’s no doubt that the club has benefited Alex. He trains there three times a week and works out at the gym to boost his fitness. And when Alex’s beloved uncle Jason died last year, his friends at the club supported him through his grief. “When my brother Jason passed away, they were a shoulder for him to cr y on ,” says Anne. “They’re always there if he needs anything.”
Alex has also taken on the challenges of autism, which affects one in 100 people in the UK. They can find social situations very difficult. But with the club’s help, Alex is f lourishing around people. “The club has made me way more confident than before. I never used to talk to anyone. Now you can’t shut me up,” he says. “I don’t get angry often now, I’ve got a handle on my temper. I hang out with my friends there. It’s one big happy family.”
Anne adds: “He makes me proud every day. He’s managed a complete 360-degree turnaround.”