Telford bus attack appeal raises more than £7k in donations for driver and brave woman who tried to intervene

A fundraiser launched after a shocking attack on a bus driver in Telford has closed with more than £7,000 donated.

The online appeal was set up in the wake of the incident in Madeley last Friday, September 18.

Videos showing the distressing incident, in which a bus driver was assaulted and his vehicle stolen, were widely shared in the aftermath.

One Telford resident, Clair Chetwood, decided to set up an appeal to support both the driver and a woman who tried to intervene and warn people about what was happening.

Since then a total of £7,010 has been raised.

In an update on the appeal Clair said the fundraiser had now ended, and the proceeds will be shared between the driver and the young woman.

She thanked all those who have donated and said it was moving to see the community’s response to such a shocking, violent incident.

An update on social media said: “I just want to say a big thank you to every single person who supported my GoFundMe. 661 of us rallied together and raised an incredible £7,010, to go to the driver Chas and the young girl who tried to help the driver and then went on to help the public get to safety.

“I am blown away by how well it's done, and really touched seeing our community show such unity in the face of such violence.

“I am in contact with both beneficiaries. Chas and his family are deeply moved and extremely grateful to have been shown such kindness from everyone in the community and the rest of the UK, and Kymberlee is incredibly grateful to be acknowledged and thanked for her bravery.

“I have now stopped any further donations and with the help of GoFundMe will ensure that the funds will be paid directly to Chas and Kymberlee.

“Again, thank you all so much for your incredible generosity supporting this worthy cause, I couldn't have done it without you.”

A man accused of multiple offences in relation to the incident is due to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on October 19.

Ali Balhad, of no fixed abode, was charged with seven offences over the incident and was due to appear in Telford Magistrates Court on Monday.

The hearing was instead committed to crown court after Balhad refused to appear and would not leave his cell.

The 33-year-old faces 10 charges in total: aggravated vehicle taking, common assault, attempted grievous bodily harm, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, robbery, theft from a store, threats to kill and three counts of criminal damage.

The threats to kill and common assault on an emergency worker charges relate to an incident on September 16, with the theft alleged to have taken place on the following day.

Those matters were scheduled for a case management hearing on November 2 at Telford Magistrates Court.

All other charges relate to the alleged incident in Madeley on Friday.

The court was told Balhad, who was remanded in custody, is an asylum seeker who had entered the country illegally on May 2.