A 28-year-old Barbadian man who was on holiday in the United Kingdom is now hospitalised in critical condition after being viciously attacked by two men four days after he arrived.
Tharel Thompson is a patient at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford in an induced coma.
One man has been charged with attempted murder following the attack which was described by Barbados Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder as “unprovoked and random”.
The victim’s devastated mother Yvonne Thompson, and his father Terrance Gibbs, of Regency Drive, Clermont, St Michael, flew to the UK to be by their son’s side.
Thompson told the Saturday Sun: “All my son wanted was to enjoy his holiday with his family and was looking forward to visiting scenery in London. This tragedy has me completely broken, but I’m trying my best to stay strong for Tharel.”
She said her son arrived on February 8 and was supposed to return to Barbados on February 24. The incident occurred while he was at a restaurant with relatives.
Thompson said this was her son’s first trip to the UK. She said Tharel, her only child, worked as a lighting technician at IGM Stage Lighting.
“He loves to spend time with me mostly, his family and friends. He loves to try different foods at the restaurants I take him to, and motorbikes.”
A GoFundMe page has been started to help raise funds to pay for his medical treatment which was at £11 000 and rising.
‘Random attack’ Meanwhile, Holder said Tharel was “jumped” by his attackers while going to the bathroom at the restaurant.
“In a senseless, unprovoked and apparently random attack, a Barbadian, who was just a few days into an anticipated holiday, was viciously stabbed and is now fighting for his life.
“He is at John Radcliffe Teaching Hospital, Oxford, in an induced coma. He has, so far, undergone two surgeries. Thames Valley police have already arrested two persons in connection with the attack, including the person who allegedly did the stabbing,” he added.
Holder said he and First Secretary Natasha Mayers visited the mother on Wednesday.
He said the situation was very traumatic for the family, noting that there was uncertainty now as doctors try to stabilise the victim, and that there will be a “long road to recovery ahead”.
He commended Thames Police for their quick work and communication with the High Commission. He said he and other members of the team had received calls from Barbadians wishing the family well and praying for Tharel’s recovery.
Holder said with the family requiring financial assistance to assist with treatment costs, he was in discussions with the Barbadian community in the UK as well as connected parties in Barbados on the way forward to deliver some support. People interested in donating can do as at: https://gofund. me/76a499d2.
Krisma Anthony, of Woolwich, London, was charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of possession of a knife, while a second man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
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