A story showing humanity at its worst, then at its best.
An elderly disabled man has received over $530,000 in donations following an attack outside his home.
On January 25, Alan Barnes, 67, was taking the bins out when he was mugged outside his home in Low Fell in the UK.
Mr Barnes, who is visually impaired and stands at only 4ft 6, fractured his collarbone when pushed to the ground in the cowardly attack.
The mugger demanded money and searched the elderly man’s pockets before fleeing the scene.
Katie Cutler, 21, read about the horrible attack in The Mirror, and felt the need to try and help the pensioner by raising money.
Ms Cutler initially hoped to raise £500 ($970 AUD) on a Go Fund Me page she set up following the incident, but within days that number was surpassed with over £270,000 in donations from around the world.
Read More: The psychology of gift giving: Anxiety is king.
DONATE: Go here to donate to the fund.
Mr Barnes was born with both sight and growth disabilities due to his mother contracting German measles whilst pregnant. After he was attacked he was too afraid to return to his home, but has now been overwhelmed by the generosity of total strangers.
Barnes and Cutler, who is a mother of one, met for the first time yesterday, with the pensioner describing the moment as “absolutely magic,” according to reports.
He said he has wanted to meet Cutler since finding out about the campaign.
“It shows that one person can make a huge difference to somebody’s life,” he told the Daily Mail.
Cutler said there have also been offers of practical help from tradesmen, and people wanting to donate their furniture.
She wrote on the site that fundraising events have been set up by businesses and schools as donations continue to grow.
Read More: Meet the cheeky nannas who have bared all for charity.
It’s a story that has received huge public response.
According to reports Mr Barnes plans to buy a house with the funds.
“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. The money will certainly not be wasted. I am not a flash person, so I won’t be splashing out on an expensive holiday. I plan to put it to good use,” he told the Daily Mail.
Police continue to search for the attacker.
Top Comments
Kinda hoping some anti-vaxxers read this and saw the bit about German Measles. Poor guy clearly has had a life with many odds stacked against him. Good to see something positive for him.
What a lovely thing to do for that man. I hope he lives happily in his new home.