Alan Barnes: Mugged pensioner too scared to live in home picks up keys to new house, bought with donations from around the world
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Version 0 of 1. Alan Barnes, the disabled pensioner who found himself at the centre of a huge crowdfunding campaign after he was mugged, yesterday picked up the keys for his new home which he bought through the donations of generous supporters. The pensioner, who has suffered from growth and sight problems since birth, the became the focus of a worldwide fundraising campaign started by 21-year old Gateshead beautician Katie Cutler after his attacks, which ended up raising £330,135 in only three weeks. The 67-year old Mr Barnes suffered a broken collarbone during the vicious crime, which occurred right outside his home in Gateshead in January. With 21-year old Katie Cutler's help, Mr Barnes raised enough money to buy a new home in Low Fell, Tyne and Wear Mr Barnes has used the money raised through Katie's efforts to buy a new home in plush Low Fell, a few miles south of Newcastle. Describing the generosity of his supporters, Mr Barnes called his experience a "fairytale", saying how he "didn't think things like this happened." Speaking to The Northern Echo, he said: "I have put the money to good use – I have bought a nice home to live in and I want to say thank you for what people have done for me." "I'm a bit overwhelmed and I'm just getting used to the idea of having a home of my own to live in." Mr Barnes' new home cost £150,000, and other than buying new furniture, he plans to save the rest of the money. After the mugging, Mr Barnes said he was unable to stay in the home where his mugging occurred, and was thinking of moving to the Greenside area of Gateshead, where Ms Cutler lives - but instead he opted for a Victorian terrace only fifteen minutes walk from his old home. After staying with his sister for around three months, Mr Barnes picked up the keys yesterday and is excited about getting his life back to normal. Alan Barnes receives his cheque for £330,135 from Katie Cutler Moving on from the sad episode, he said he wants to "do normal things like everybody else" and to "go back to church again by myself". Katie Cutler has continued her charitable efforts, setting up the Katie Cutler Foundation through which she hopes to raise £1m for charitable causes by September. Mr Barnes' assailant, 25-year old Richard Gatiss, was jailed for four years at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month, pleading guilty to assult with intent to rob. Mr Barnes said hoped Gatiss, who suffers from drug problems, can turn his life around in prison. "I hope if he goes to jail he will get some help in there. He's only 25, he's got plenty of time to change his life still." "I just hope he gets his life turned around. That would be a happy ending." |