Reading Walkabout attack: Mum of stabbing victim speaks out

The mother of Tharel Thompson, a Barbados tourist attacked on a night out in Reading with family, has spoken out about the moment she found out the news as she has praised the generosity of the community for donating to cover his hospital bills.

Mr Thompson visited Walkabout Bar on February 11 where he was stabbed on the dance floor in the early hours of the morning.

The 28-year-old was rushed to hospital and has since undergone two major surgeries, stacking up an enormous hospital bill of over £11,000. Mr Thompson remains in a critical condition but is said to have stabilised in a medically-induced coma.

His mother Yvonne Thompson spoke exclusively with the Chronicle about her "respectful and grateful" son, who is a "free spirit" and a "dedicated worker".

It was the worst news any mother could have imagined when Mrs Thompson woke up to missed calls telling of her son being stabbed.

"His cousin called me and gave me the news. She told me he got stabbed - but she didn't say where. I was hysterical. I screamed and cried," she said.

Together with Mr Thompson's father, Mrs Thompson bought a plane ticket and arrived in London the following morning.

"When I first saw him I couldn't believe what I was seeing. All the tubes, all the medicine. It was just a horror. I'm still in shock. I can't believe it is happening," Mrs Thompson added.

After being told Mr Thompson's hospital fees were already £11,000 and rising, Mrs Thompson's brother Andrew Beckles helped her set up a GoFundMe page, which has since seen 593 donations raising £18,647 in total.

The money will go toward Mr Thompson's hospital fees and his family's stay in the UK.

Mrs Thompson added: "When he comes out of the coma and is recovering he is going to need a lot of psychological and physical therapy because the wound is in the right side of his head."

Mr Thompson, a lighting technician in Barbados, was due to leave the UK on Saturday, February 24 after enjoying a two-week holiday - however, it is unknown when he will be able to now return home.

"He just came here for a holiday and it is very unfair that he was attacked," Mrs Thompson said.

"It isn't fair for anyone at all to be attacked. I would like people to just put down the knife and stop the violence.

"The nightclub should have had more security. They have facial recognition scanners and you have to show your passport - where were the metal detectors?"

A spokesperson from Walkabout previously confirmed that they are working closely with police, with a date not yet set for when the bar will reopen.

Thames Valley Police are continuing to investigate and have since charged Krisma Anthony, from Woolwich in London, with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.  The 23-year-old is due to make his plea at a hearing on March 11 at Reading Crown Court.

Speaking of what she would say to someone considering taking a knife out with them, Mrs Thompson said: "Please don't do it. You are going to hurt the person very badly and you are going to hurt their family, their friends, you will affect a lot of people."

She said Barbados is not a high-crime country. "Everyone lives in peace and harmony. Everyone gets along with each other and looks out for each other. The entirety of Barbados is in shock and everyone is praying for him."

With the fundraiser still active amid rising costs, Mrs Thompson has thanked everyone who has contributed so far.

"I would like people to continue praying for Tharel and continue showing support to the GoFundMe," she said.

"I would also like to thank the hospital staff because the nurses and doctors are really good to him."

To donate to Mr Thompson’s cause, please click here.