'Bullies will not win': £1,600 already raised for deaf 10-year-old beaten up in Walsall
The fundraiser was launched last night after the boy had his hearing aids ripped out and stamped on.
The ordeal of a young deaf boy whose hearing aid was smashed in a vicious attack has touched the hearts of outraged readers who have raised more than £1,600 to replace the device.
The 10-year-old boy was attacked in Walsall by a group of older youths who ripped out his hearing aid and stamped on it.
The terrified youngster was chased on Lister Road in Beechdale by a gang of six who pushed him over and kicked and stamped on him before tearing out and destroying his hearing device.
Readers and nearby residents were shocked to learn of the attack and rallied round on social media to organise help for the victim and his family.
An online fundraiser launched last night smashed its initial £500 target within hours and has now raised £1,600 thanks to donations from more than 100 people.
A single contribution of £500 was received from one anonymous donor.
Mother-of-two Michelle Mansell, who set up the fund, wrote: "It's indescribable what he must be going through but let's show him that there's more good people out there then bad. Let's show him we care.
"The money raised will be given to the little boy and his family, to show them that there's always more who care!
"Never underestimate the power of a kind gesture and what it can do for somebody."
The 40-year-old former West Midlands Police officer added: "Every single one of your donations is utterly unbelievable and will go a long way in showing this poor boy that there is more good in the world than bad.
"Hopefully, it'll somehow restore his faith in the world and show him that strangers can come together and make a difference. Bullies will not win."
His mother, who wishes her son to remain anonymous, was overwhelmed by the response. She wrote on the Just Giving page: "I really don't know what to say I'm so emotional.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart, I never thought that this many people would care. Thank you very much."
As her son's hearing aid is paid for by the National Health Service, the money raised will be given to his family to provide him with a treat.
Appealing for witnesses to the attack, Sergeant Adam Hicklin from West Midlands Police CID said that as well as being physically injured, the boy was frightened and shaken by his ordeal.
Dozens of people have donated to the fundraiser, voicing their despair but also leaving messages of encouragement.
Martyn Dinenage said: "I was born and still live on Beechdale.This story disgusts me to the bone!
"I hope my small donation helps the poor boy in question and his family and shows that there are still good people out there."
And Teresa Cooke added: "Hold your head high young man. Bullies will never win while there are brave people like yourself."
Mrs Mansell, from Bromsgrove, set up the web page at 5pm on Friday.
She told the Express & Star: "I was just so horrified. This could happen to any of our children. You don't have to be disabled, unfortunately you just have to be different, and that's wrong on every level.
"As a nation I think people are more prepared to stand up and say 'It's not happening' and do something about it.
"The outpouring of love and support for this boy and his family has been amazing. The generosity of strangers has been utterly overwhelming."
She added: "We now need to catch those responsible. There are parents out there who will know if their child has been involved and they need to do the right thing."
Anyone with any information about the attack, which happened on September 28 between 6.15pm and 7pm, is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
