Alan Barnes: Disabled Pensioner Meets Fundraiser As Fund Approaches $500,000 [Video]

Yesterday, the Inquisitr reported on the story of Alan Barnes, a disabled pensioner from Gateshead in England. Mr. Barnes, who is partially sighted and disabled, was attacked outside his home by a thug who knocked him to the ground whilst attempting to rob him. Mr. Barnes, who is only four feet, six inches tall, sustained a broken collarbone in the fall and is too frightened to return to his home after the attack.

Mr. Barnes story was seen by beautician Katie Cutler who lives nearby. She was so moved by his story that she set up a GoFundMe page in an attempt to raise £500 ($750) to help Alan Barnes move to new premises. To everyone’s amazement, Mr. Barnes story has touched people across the world. By yesterday, people had donated an amazing $300,000 in just three days. Incredibly, the Mirror reports that the fund shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

The Telegraph is reporting today that Mr. Barnes has met Katie, his guardian angel, for the first time. During the get-together at Mr. Barnes’ sister’s house, Ms. Cutler presented him with chocolates and a card, and he told 21-year-old Katie that she would be a friend for life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=913jWypyfF8

The Daily Mail reports that Mr. Barnes got the chance to thank 21-year-old Katie in person when she visited him at his sister’s home in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

Amid emotional scenes, Ms. Cutler gave him a hug and held his hand as they chatted on the sofa.

Mr. Barnes said, “I am totally overwhelmed and incredibly grateful to Katie for what she has done for me.”

“The youth of today don’t always get portrayed in a positive light, but I won’t ever forget what this young woman has done for me. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I always knew there were good people in the world, and this has confirmed it.”

Mr. Barnes was totally overwhelmed by the fundraising efforts and said that money was usually only donated on that scale for charity disaster appeals.

The appeal has demonstrated the incredible power of the internet and social media, and the generosity of people when a story captures their imagination. There have been around 24,000 public donations in just four days, and they have come from as far afield as New Zealand, the United States, South Africa, and Canada.

Many people have left kind messages on the fundraising site praising Ms. Cutler. Well-wishers have even set up a fund to raise money to fund a holiday for Ms. Cutler as a reward for her kindness to Mr. Barnes. The fund for 67-year-old Alan Barnes currently stands at over £317,000 [$475,000]

Alan Barnes has confirmed that he will use the money to buy his first ever home.