Supporters dig deep on same day alleged attacker is arrested
A major Leeds event in aid of assault victim Adam Pickles has raised five thousand pounds for the coma stricken teacher.
More than 200 people attended PickleAID in Kirkstall UK on Saturday, July 6 – the same day Adam’s alleged attacker was arrested in Bangkok following a seven week man hunt.
The attack came just months after Adam missed the birth of his son Benjamin last September, after a motorbike crash left him in a coma and needing extensive surgery to rebuild his face.
The cash boost takes the overall fundraising total to about £76,500; with the PickleAID figure expected to rise from an online auction of pledged gifts that were not snapped up at the event.
Adam’s parents Andrew and Adele said they were overwhelmed with the generosity and support shown at PickleAID, which they attended, and thanked everyone involved for their contribution.
Andrew said, “It was a fantastic event, both for adults and children, and it was so nice to be able to talk to so many of Adam’s friends who had given so much to make the event work.
“Although tinged with sadness it was a really fun afternoon and evening. We were able to talk with many of Adam’s and our own friends, some of whom we had not seen for many years. In addition we talked to many people who had never met Adam but had heard about the campaign and came along to give us their support.
“We offer our thanks to the musicians who gave their time so generously and of course to Katie, Matt and Neil who have put in so much effort to help over the last few weeks. We now just need Adam to wake up so that we can tell him all about it.”
Adam’s parents Andrew and Adele Pickles with PickleAID fundraisers. Pictured are (from left) Neil Clappison, Katie Jones, Andrew Pickles, Adele Pickles, Lynn Haygarth and Julian Farrell. (Copyright Melissa Connolly @ melissaphotography.co.uk)
Star prizes that attracted big auction bids at PickleAID included the international shirt of rugby world cup winner Ben Kay, which raised £500.
Fundraisers hope their continuing efforts will ease the financial burden placed on Adam and his family, which to date has reached £123,000.
Youngsters enjoy the day during PickleAID in Kirkstall UK. (Copyright Melissa Connolly @ melissaphotography.co.uk)
Mr and Mrs Pickles have re-mortgaged their home and used retirement savings to try and settle the current bill; but legal fees, future rehabilitation and adaption costs are likely to carry a significant and as yet unknown price tag.
Adam’s best friend Neil Clappison said, “Right from the start of the fundraising I decided it wasn’t fair for Andrew and Adele to be out of pocket from this horrific attack on their son. Although Adam is home, this does not mean the bill will stop rising – we now have extra costs of a legal case in Thailand for example, so there is still a long way to go.”
Adam, 40, is still in coma but is said to be making positive progress. The father-of-one has survived two operations and overcome several fevers and infections during his battle to wake up.
He is currently fighting an infection but is making stronger movements with his arm, hands and head each day.
To view the website and campaign video visit: www.donatetoadam.org
To view the Facebook page visit: www.facebook.com/groups/adampickles
