More than £30,000 has been raised for a homeless man who helped the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack on Monday night.
Stephen Jones was sleeping near the venue when a nail bomb was detonated just after 10.30pm at the end of a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande.
The 35-year-old yesterday spoke to ITV news telling of the horror he saw.
He said: “They needed the help. I’d like to think someone would come and help me if I needed the help.”
And one man was so moved by his actions that he decided to set up a JustGiving crowdfunding page, with a hope to raise £300 for Mr Jones.
Graeme Seddon, the man behind the page, said: “He [Jones] spoke about pulling nails out of young children’s faces and arms, something people should never have to think about, never mind actually do.
“He spoke about helping people because it was the natural and right thing to do. I think it’s natural and right to help him.
“Any money raised will go to help the gentleman back on his feet. I don’t normally do this but what I watched was a man who has restored some faith back in humanity. Let’s raise what we can.”
In less than 24 hours the funding has far surpassed the initial target, and currently stands on £31,393.
Twenty two people were killed in the bombing, with 59 casualties taken to hospital and 60 walking wounded treated at the scene.
Since the heroic actions of Mr Jones appeared, West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan, and his son, have offered to pay rent on a house for him for the next six months to “help him get on his feet.”
Mr Sullivan’s son, Dave Sullivan Junior, made an appeal on Twitter on Tuesday to find Mr Jones, saying that if he was found he and his father would pay rent on a house for him for six months.
Me and dad want to rent the homeless man in manchester a house for 6 months to help him get on his feet 1/2
— DAVE SULLIVAN JNR (@DaveSulley) May 23, 2017
“If anyone can help us get in touch much much appreciated. Such a self less act needs rewarding. Please tag anyone who can help us,” he added, before Tweeting the below.
WE HAVE FOUND STEVE ! Shows the power for good social media has. Thank you to all those involved, you have helped change a mans life
— DAVE SULLIVAN JNR (@DaveSulley) May 23, 2017
The UK terror threat has been raised to critical in the wake of the Manchester suicide bombing attack amid fears attacker Salman Abedi did not act alone.
The attack on Monday night was the worst seen in the UK since 56 people were killed during the July 7 London bombings in 2005.
