The family of Tharel Thompson has received a further setback as his medical bill has now reached a staggering 150k pounds while he is still undergoing treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford. He is no longer in an induced coma and is showing signs of recognition to his family.
The initial GoFundMe target of 11k pounds, started by his Uncle Andrew Beckles, is now paling into insignificance as he continues to receive treatment with increased cost envisaged.
Tharel Thompson, a lighting Technician, was stabbed in his head at the Walkabout Sports Bar in Wiston Terrace Reading, Berkshire, whilst on holiday in the UK four days after his arrival.
The incident happened in the bathroom during an altercation after 2 am on 11th February.
Krisma Anthony, 23, of Woolwich, London, was charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of possession of a knife blade/sharply pointed article in a public place. A second man, aged twenty-five, also from London, was arrested earlier today on suspicion of attempted murder, and he remains in police custody.
Since then, the Caribbean community has supported the appeals, WhatsApp groups, and Barbadian associations across the South of England, and many individuals have chipped in to contribute to the present total of 20k pounds.
Outreach has been achieved in Oxford, where Yvonne Thompson expressed an interest in staying as it was close to the hospital. Barbados Diaspora Attache Betty Lewis contacted Senior Pastor Bishop Wesley Sealey from the local New Testament Church of God (NTCG), which hosted the 2023 Barbados Independence Thanksgiving service.
The NTCG Oxford was able to secure accommodation within the community for her.
London’s support has come from all quarters; Souse-Lime made a collection at the weekend, which led to Wednesday night, Bajan Lime in Lyndford Community Centre Paddington inviting Ms Thompson to attend.
With over a hundred people present, Anthony Sealey, a leadership group member, welcomed everyone and appealed to those present to support the cause as best they can.” “Every lil bit helps”, he said.
Among those present on the night were Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder, Diaspora Attache Betty Lewis, First Secretary Natasha Mayers, and some of her Yvonne childhood friends who supported her. Yvonne, a former Alleyne School attendee, also met with Alleyne School Alumni Association UK’s Chairperson, Dr Beverley Goring, who offered support.
This was an emotional evening, especially moreso when DHC Holder encouraged those in attendance to link hands and sing along to Bob Marley’s “One Love.”
Yvonne Thompson thanked everyone who contributed to making the task easier, whether it was her friends who took her around or the many groups and individuals who said prayers on her behalf.
With the increasing costs of Tharel’s treatment, a new target has been set. There is no doubt that Yvonne and her family will need broader support beyond the community level.
