Rallying round Big Issue seller
Messages of support have flooded in for a Big Issue seller who was knocked unconscious and severely injured in an assault in Bath.
Garry Buchan, who has sold the magazine in the city since 1998, suffered a broken foot, fractured cheek and severe bruising in the attack in late November.
The incident happened at 1am on Saturday, November 28, at Green Park Station.
Charles Beer, who works for Ethical Properties, which runs Green Park Station, said it was “upsetting” to watch the assault on CCTV.
Mr Beer said: “Several people just come up and brutally assault him leaving him unconscious. One of them then comes back and kicks him viciously in the head with all his might while he is already out.
“I’m an ex-policeman and so I’ve seen it all before but watching that back on CCTV happen to someone you are looking out for was upsetting. Garry has got such a good spirit, he is a really genuine nice guy.
“What’s really sad is that Garry has previously raised a lot of money for charity by walking from Land’s End to John O’groats and we were just discussing his next possible fundraising effort before he was assaulted.”
Yet Mr Buchan said he was “determined to look on the bright side of life” after the assault when he heard about a crowdfunder set up by Mr Beer to support his recovery, which at the time of writing has raised £4,945. Mr Buchan said: “It’s absolutely amazing, I’d like to say a very special thank you to everyone who has donated.”
He added: “It happens all the time to homeless people. People kick us when we are down. But at least a bit of goodness has come out of this, I’m getting somewhere to stay at last.
“I’m doing OK now, out of the hospital and you’ve got to look at the bright side of life in this. I’m hoping it will rebuild that community spirit that went ages ago.
“Perhaps people will be kinder to homeless people, reading this and realise how we’re treated – but also how being homeless can happen so easily to anyone and how lucky they are to have a roof over their head.”
Now out of hospital, Mr Buchan is recuperating in a safe place.
Many people have also expressed sympathy and support for Mr Buchan, who has been homeless on and off for 28 years after a family breakdown.
On the Bath Live Facebook page, dozens left messages of support wishing him a speedy recovery.
Sarah Maggs wrote: “Speedy recovery wished to you, that’s awful people could be so vicious.”
Alison Wagstaff wrote: “So sorry to hear this.”
Others expressed dismay at the attack on Mr Buchan. Nina HarrisJames said: “Absolutely disgraceful, what’s wrong with people?”
Martin Gowen added: “How could anyone do that? And to stick your boot in whilst he’s already out cold as well! What is wrong with people.”
Similar messages of support have been left on the Crowdfunder page.
Tracey Palmer wrote: “What a despicable thing to happen to such a great human being. I really wish you all the very best in your recovery and hope you have a future that you truly deserve. Happy Christmas.”
Anyone with information about the attack on Mr Buchan which could help Avon and Somerset Police with their investigation should call 101 and quote reference number 5220267982.
The crowdfunding page can be found at www.crowdfunder.co. uk/ a- safe- place- to- recover- forgarry-buchan