Mugging victim fund hits £34k in one day

Donations for a 4ft 6in frail and visually impaired British pensioner who was mugged outside his home have reached more than £34,000 (€45,000).

After reading about the cowardly attack on 67-year-old Alan Barnes outside his home, beautician Katie Cutler was moved to set up an online fundraising page.

By yesterday morning the £500 target had been smashed with more than £10,000 raised.

And by the evening, that had more than trebled to £34,326 after people were moved to help by hearing that Mr Barnes was too afraid to return to his home in Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

Mr Barnes, who has lived with disabilities from birth after his mother contracted German measles when she was pregnant, broke his collarbone when he was shoved over.

The attacker demanded money and checked through his victim’s pockets but ran off when Mr Barnes called for help.

Following reports of the attack, which police described as “disgraceful”, Ms Cutler was moved to set up the Help Alan Barnes online donation page on the Go Fund Me site.

She wrote: “I was so upset that anyone could target a disabled pensioner and be so cruel.

“We can’t take away what has happened but with a little donation we can make the future a prettier one and help towards the cost of his new home. Thank you all.”

Last night Rosemary Mullen wrote on the page: “Keeping an eye on this fab fund for Alan. Went out to day for a few hours and WOW up to £30,000!!!! Well done Katie and the lovely people donating. X”

Lorraine Susan added: “I really hope this fund helps him get settled somewhere nice & safe.

“At least he knows there are literally thousands on his side.”

Mr Barnes is a well-known figure in Low Fell.

The donation page is at http://www.gofundme.com/l0dt9o