Alan Barnes, the 77-year-old disabled pensioner whose attack by a drug dealer in 2015 sparked a nationwide outpouring of generosity, has revealed how he spent the £330,000 raised for him. In the ten years since the horrific mugging, which left him with a broken collarbone, Mr. Barnes has moved house six times, using much of the money to relocate from the area where the attack took place.
The brutal assault by Richard Gatiss, which occurred in the quiet suburb of Sheriff Hill in Gateshead, shocked the public and led to an outpouring of support. Katie Cutler, a then 21-year-old beautician from nearby Greenside, set up the fundraising campaign, and her kindness earned her the title of “Angel of the North” from the public. However, despite her significant role in his recovery, Mr. Barnes has confirmed that he is no longer in contact with Ms. Cutler.

In the decade since the attack, Mr. Barnes has spent much of the raised money on moving homes, seeking a fresh start away from Sheriff Hill. He initially bought a two-bedroom terrace for £150,000 but struggled to settle in the house and moved several times, eventually purchasing a newbuild property in 2017 overlooking Saltwell Park for £250,000. Unfortunately, he sold this house at a loss of £45,000 in 2020, and now lives in a smaller, modest terraced home in Low Fell.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Barnes refuses to let the trauma of the attack define his life. Though he is registered blind, he remains independent, continuing to do his own shopping and attend church regularly. He’s even written a song titled The Rhyme, which he hopes to release and make some money of his own. The song, which he performed at the local Methodist church hall, was well received, especially by children.

Reflecting on the attack and whether he has forgiven Gatiss, Mr. Barnes said, “I think I have, yes. What he did was terrible, but I was able to carry on with my life.” He also mentioned hearing that the attack might have been a case of mistaken identity, though he wasn’t sure. “Terrible things happen in the world… you have to put things into context,” he added. “I’ve not let what happened to me stop me from doing anything. I like to go out, chat to people, and walk to the Co-op.”

The funds raised have also allowed Mr. Barnes to live independently for the first time in his life. However, despite the generosity of donors, he insists that he is not materialistic and doesn’t need much to be happy. “I still have some money left but I don’t need much. I have my home, and I’m not a materialistic person,” he explained.

Although he once vowed to remain lifelong friends with Katie Cutler, Mr. Barnes confirmed that they are no longer in touch. He expressed gratitude for her help, saying, “I will always be grateful for the generosity that people showed.”
While Katie Cutler was hailed for her role in raising the funds, her involvement in the aftermath became complicated. She faced financial difficulties when a PR firm she hired left her with a bill of nearly £7,000, and she struggled to establish a charity with the donations. In 2016, she was ordered to repay £6,200 after a legal battle with a PR consultant, prompting her decision to vow never to engage in charity work again.

As for Mr. Barnes, he remains focused on living a fulfilling life. His story serves as a testament to the kindness of strangers and his own resilience in the face of hardship.