Alan Barnes: £50,000 raised for disabled attack victim in just 48 hours

Community rallies round pensioner following shocking attack that left him with a broken collar bone

Support: Thousands of people have donated to the appeal

A staggering £50,000 has been raised in just two days for a disabled man who wasbattered by a vicious thug.

Kind-hearted members of the public have been so touched by the bravery of Alan Barnes following a horrific assault by a heartless mugger.

Beautician Katie Cutler decided to set-up ‘Alan Barnes Fund’ page on the Go Fund Me website, and this evening the total topped £50,000.

Katie, 21, from Gateshead, said: “I just can’t believe how many people have donated and how quickly - I think it shows everyone was really touched by Alan and disgusted with what happened to him.”

Alan, who stands at just 4ft 6in and weighs less than six stone, was knocked over and searched for money.

He suffered a broken collar bone as a result of the callous attack and was overwhelmed by the help and support.

Injury: Alan Barnes broke his collar bone in the attack

He told the Chronicle: “I would really just like to say thank you to everyone, I really didn’t expect it.

“I just thought I would tell my story to the Chronicle in the hope the person who assaulted me was caught.

“When I was told about the fund, I was totally surprised as I didn’t expect anything like that. I’m so grateful and I just want to say a big thank you, it’s such a lovely thing to do.

“I have heard of people setting up funds for charities but not just for what happened to me. I’m overwhelmed and I just want to say thank you.

Alan was born with sight and growth problems after his mum contracted German measles during pregnancy.

The mugger struck at around 6.30pm as Alan brought his wheelie bin in on Wednesday.

Thanks: Alan Barnes has been touched by the level of support

The thug knocked him to the ground before searching his pockets. But when he realised there was no cash, he fled.

Alan said: “I would just like to see him caught because he might do it again.”

Alan is now being cared for by his sister Carol Hill at her home in North Tyneside.

But he is now too frightened to return to his old home, and Carol is helping her brother look for new accommodation.

You can donate to the fund for Alan at http://gofund.me/l0dt9o?pc=tw_cr_n

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.