In a tragic turn of events, Alan Barnes, a 77-year-old disabled pensioner from Low Fell, Gateshead, was left with a broken collarbone after a vicious attack outside his home a decade ago.
Standing at just 4ft6in tall, Mr. Barnes has complex disabilities, including blindness, which were caused by his mother contracting German measles while pregnant with him.
Despite these challenges, he had led an independent life until the shocking encounter that would forever alter his reality.
The Violent Mugging That Shattered His Independence
The attack occurred 10 years ago today when Mr. Barnes was simply moving his bins outside his home.
Richard Gatiss, a drug dealer, ambushed him, pushing him to the ground and rifling through his pockets in search of cash.
Fortunately, Mr. Barnes managed to call for help, which caused Gatiss to flee empty-handed.
The thug was later sentenced to four years in prison for the attack.
The mugging was a devastating experience that left Mr. Barnes shaken, yet he has expressed how it pales in comparison to other forms of abuse he has faced throughout his life.
Reflecting on the incident, Mr. Barnes said, “It did change my life. I got to know a lot of new people.
I’m very thankful for what I got so I’m putting back in what I can.”
The attack may have altered his life, but it also led to an outpouring of support from the community.
A Nation Responds: The Fundraising Effort That Changed His Life
In the wake of the attack, local beautician Katie Cutler, then just 21 years old, launched a fundraising campaign to support Mr. Barnes.
The effort was met with overwhelming generosity, raising an impressive £330,000. Although Mr. Barnes is no longer in touch with Ms. Cutler, the money allowed him to purchase his own home, something he had never been able to do before.
Since then, Mr. Barnes has moved several times, using the funds to fund house moves that would give him a sense of security.
Today, Mr. Barnes is still recognized by many for his resilience in the face of tragedy.
He admitted that the attention from the public has been a constant reminder of how his life has changed since that fateful day.
Despite his challenges, he maintains a positive outlook, saying, “I’m very thankful for what I got, so I’m putting back in what I can.”
Katie Cutler’s Charity Endeavors and Struggles
While Mr. Barnes received a life-changing gift from the fundraising campaign, Ms. Cutler’s efforts to continue helping others took a different turn.
She tried to set up a charity with the funds to support more people in need, but unfortunately, the charity failed to launch.
Additionally, she was left with a debt of nearly £7,000 from a PR firm she had hired to help with her campaign.
The debts eventually caught up with her.
In 2016, she lost a legal battle to PR consultant Claire Barber and was ordered to repay £6,200.
Despite these struggles, Ms. Cutler was recognized for her selflessness and awarded the British Empire Medal in 2015 for her efforts in helping Mr. Barnes.
However, after facing financial hardships, Ms. Cutler vowed never to engage in charity work again.
Mr. Barnes’ Journey in Low Fell
Despite the ups and downs of his housing situation, Mr. Barnes remains in Low Fell, a place he calls home.
Over the years, he bought and sold properties in the area, including a two-bedroom terrace for £150,000 and a modern newbuild overlooking Saltwell Park for £250,000 in 2017.
Unfortunately, he sold the latter for £205,000 in 2020, incurring a loss of £45,000.
He now resides in a smaller home nearby, yet his connection to the Low Fell community remains strong.
The heartbreaking mugging that changed Alan Barnes’ life has not defined him.
He continues to live independently and remains grateful for the support he received.
Despite facing adversity, he continues to show strength and resilience, inspiring those around him with his unwavering spirit.