News / asylum seekers
“We will stand up to racial violence and intolerance”
Messages of love have usurped the hate that left a teenage asylum seeker fighting for his life, as a crowdfunding page started in Bristol tops almost £43,000.
Bridey Watson and Robin Adlem (pictured) launched the fundraising bid to offer some financial help and words of support for a 17-year-old man who suffered a brutal, racially-motivated attack at the hands of a gang in London.
The pair set a target of £3,500 to aid his recovery and demonstrate that there are people who care, but they have been ‘blown away’ by the level of compassion and generosity that flooded in.
is needed now More than ever
The target was smashed within hours and donations topped £20,000 in the first two days.
Bridey and Rob are now planning to make the thousands of messages into a book for the teenager. Among the many words of kindness, sorrow and support is the sentiment: “love is quieter than gunshots, but there is more of it.”
“Every pound given is a sign of love and support and I think that’s why people are giving so generously,” said Rob.
The Backwell-based dad has a background in working with young people, refugees and asylum seekers and said Bridey called him as soon as news of the horrific attack hit the headlines to see what could be done to help.
Rob added: “We are blown away with the response. It’s obviously a high profile story but we had no idea we would get so much.
“The vast majority of people in the UK know this is not what we stand for and not what we do.
“This is about making people understand that we will stand up to racial violence and intolerance and this sends a very clear message to the guys who did this that they are not going to win.
“The public is giving a clear message that this young man is welcomed, loved and supported in the UK.”
The teenager was subjected to repeated blows in the vicious attack and sustained ‘critical head and facial injuries’. Latest reports say he is in a ‘serious but stable’ condition.
Bridey, who lives in Easton, said: “Feeling valued and loved is a very basic need that we can all be part of, all of us have an opportunity to make a difference for this young man. This will go a long way to ensuring he sees the best after witnessing the very worst.”
Rob said they are working with all of the relevant authorities and professionals to handle the donations, which will be held in trust, either for when his application for asylum is complete or when he turns 18.
Read more: Revealed: Bristol’s Brexit hate crimes
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