Yahoo News Mother’s vow to find home for man who aided acid-victim son
The mother of a teenage acid attack victim hopes to repay a homeless man who came to her son’s aid by putting a roof over his head by Christmas.
Paul Andrews helped Justine Turvey’s 18-year-old son and his friend when they were attacked at the Stratford Centre in east London.
They were among six people injured when a gang rampaged through the centre spraying acid from Lucozade bottles on September 23.
Mr Andrews, 57, took them to Burger King to help remove acid from their eyes with water, keeping them calm until police arrived. Neither victim suffered permanent injuries.
Mrs Turvey has set up a crowdfunding page to raise money to help get Mr Andrews off the streets as a way of repaying the kindness he showed her son.
Mr Andrews has been sleeping rough for 15 years. He was his mother’s full-time carer, but after she died he was forced to leave their flat and was made homeless.
Mrs Turvey, an accountant from Brentwood, Essex, said: “After learning about this selfless act, I wanted to do something to show my appreciation for Paul. “He is a well-known figure around Stratford — he is good-natured and kind.”
The fund has already raised more than £1,360, nearly tripling its initial target. Mrs Turvey said: “Initially we were thinking of getting him a B&B for one or two weeks, but now we’ve raised so much we’re thinking we might be able to get him something permanent.
"I’d like to get at least temporary accommodation for him by Christmas.
“I don’t think I’m going to single-handedly change homelessness in London but if you can change one person’s life then that’s a start.”
Donors left messages of support on the JustGiving page. One wrote: “Very inspiring to give someone so close to home a new start.” Another said: “Fantastic way to show your appreciation to someone many just walk past and disregard as a human being.”
Police are continuing to investigate the attack. A 15-year-old boy arrested the day after the incident on suspicion of GBH was bailed until tomorrow.
