Earlier this week, a woman named Katie Cutler launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to help raise funds for Hillside Place resident Alan Barnes, an older handicap man that was knocked to the ground by the thug who attempted to rob him. In result of the mugging, Barnes suffered from a broken collar bone and left in distress. Originally seeking only £500, the project received £330,145 from nearly 25,000 supporters. Now, six days in, the campaign has been closed by the request of Barnes’ family.
As previously reported, Cutler wrote, “I’m trying to raise £500 for Alan which will help him towards the cost of relocating in order for him to feel safe a carry on with his life. After reading his article on the Mirror.co.uk I was so upset that anyone could target a disabled pensioner & be so cruel. We can’t take away what has happened but with a little donation we can make the future a prettier one & help towards the cost of his new home.”
Within only 2 days, the crowdfunding initiative raised well over its initial goal and is currently at £142,350 thanks to over 11,000 supporters. During a recent interview with BBC, Cutler stated, “There are so many lovely people out there. Not just people in the North East, but we’ve had people donating from Canada, Holland, down south, the U.S.A., New Zealand. This person that hurt Alan, is just a minority. With a little donation, we can make the future a prettier one and help towards the cost of his new home.”
During a recent update, Culter stated, “Good morning, after speaking with Alan & his family. They have asked me to stop any further donations to his fund. He is very grateful for all your love, support & donations. We will be having a little presentation to hand him his cheque so I’ll keep you all updated.”
Meanwhile, Barnes showed his appreciation for his supporters by saying, “[It was] just unbelievable. I’ve heard of fundraising for charities, but I’ve only got a fractured collarbone, I didn’t expect that sort of response. Thank you doesn’t seem to answer it, does it?”
Barnes’ family has also suggested that supporters should help fund another project on the crowdfunding platform for a little girl named Kacie Martin.
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