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Weekly’s dwarf story makes big news across the globe

A Somerset newspaper’s story about an attack on a dwarf made global headlines and saw a major increase in visitors to its website after the victim was mentioned at a major US awards ceremony.

Weekly title The Western Gazette reported that Martin Henderson was picked up and thrown on the floor whilst smoking a cigarette outside a pub during his 37th birthday celebrations in October.

The newspaper reported on Thursday that as a result of the attack he now faces life in a wheelchair.

The story appeared on the front page of the Sherborne and Wincanton, Castle Cary and Bruton editions of the Gazette on Thursday and was soon pounced on by national and international media.

Martin was then mentioned at the Golden Globes on Monday by actor and dwarf Peter Dinklage when he picked up an award for best supporting actor in a TV series.

He told the audience to Google Martin’s name and those who searched him online found the Western Gazette’s story.

 

The Western Gazette's front page about Martin's attack

Editor Lynne Fernquest said: “Many of the best stories are first told in local and regional newspapers.

“Martin Henderson’s distressing experience at the hands of thugs is no exception.

“This man’s life and career have been critically affected by the assault and we at Western Gazette Media are proud to champion the cause of the underdog.

“Martin’s is a very powerful tale, but even we were surprised at the speed with which other news outlets ran with the story.

“Facebook and Twitter followed the charge as readers across from Somerset to Sydney were hungry to know more.

“Martin has told us that he felt humbled when his name was read out at the Golden Globes ceremony as part of a rally cry to prevent similar persecution. He didn’t ask for this global  attention but realises his experience struck a chord with fair-minded people across the world.”

Martin told the Gazette this week that the exposure he has achieved has taken him completely by surprise but has also attracted more unwanted attention.

Said Martin: “I can’t believe the attention the story has created and it has been a bit overwhelming at times. I was asked to go on ITV news on Monday but I told them I had to get my car fixed instead.”

British newspapers that picked up the story suggested the attack was copycat behaviour of that by shamed Rugby star Mike Tindall who was reported to have been in a New Zealand ‘dwarf throwing’ bar last year.

Overseas the story appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald and renowned US blog The Drudge Report.

Martin suffers from spinal stenosis and has struggled to walk properly since the attack and has lost the strength in his back and legs.

He now has to use a zimmer frame to walk and has been told by doctors he will need a wheelchair for longer journeys.