Derry assault victim Danny Payne fighting for his life in hospital after being assaulted
A FUNDING page has been set up to help the family of Danny Payne who has been left fighting for his life in hospital.
Danny, who is his 30s, was assaulted in Derry’s Newmarket Stgreet in the early hours of Sunday morning.
It is understood the married man, who formerly worked as a volunteer for Foyle Search and Rescue, tried to intervene in a fight near the city’s walls when a gang set upon him.
He was first taken to Altnagelvin Hospital but so serious were his injuries that he was rushed to the accident and emergency department at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment.
Danny remains critically ill as a result of his injuries.
Friend Craig Gardiner has now set up a page on www.gofundme.com to raise money for Danny’s family.
Already £740 has been raised of the £1,000 target.
Craig wrote: “Anybody that knows Danny knows he is an absolute gentleman with a heart of gold, he has been heavily involved in charity work within our city for a number of years, giving time out of his own life to help others in need.
“I’ve set this page up to try and generate some funds to help the family of Danny with travel expenses to and from Belfast, loss of earnings and generally just to try and ease the burden of money at this difficult time.
“Please donate.
“I know Danny and I know he’d be the first to help others when in need.
“Thank you.”
Detectives at Strand Road PSNI station have appealed for witnesses to the assault to come forward.
A police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 2 am on Sunday, October 22, police received a report of an altercation between a number of males on Newmarket Street.
“A male, aged in his 30s, sustained serious injuries to his head after he had been assaulted by a number of the males. He has been taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.
“Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Newmarket Street during the early hours of this morning and who witnessed the incident, or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation, to contact detectives in Strand Road on 101 quoting reference 209 22/10/2017.
“Or, alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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