Last Sunday evening, 67-year-old Alan Barnes was viciously attacked outside his home in Hillside Place in Low Fell. The older gentleman, who was born was numerous defects which include sight and growth problems, 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.
Seeking to help Barnes get back on his feet after a severely traumatic experience, beautician Katie Cutler launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to help raise funds for his recovery.
Explaining the situation 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.”
Revealing his forever gratitude for those who gave funds, Barnes said, “[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?”
As funds continue to pour in from all corners of the world, more supporters have shared their thoughts about the situation. One wrote, “The life of Alan Barnes will be improved and he will feel safer, not only because of the extreme generosity of the people donating, but also because of the selfless act performed by Katie, who took time to help someone she doesn’t even know.”
Cutler added that she is over the moon and couldn’t believe constant generosity others have been given. Besides funding, others have offered to help with Barnes’ new home, including plumbers, electricians, bathroom and kitchen fitters, carpet layers, and even furniture donations.
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