The family of Daniel Ezzedine have expressed their heartfelt gratitude after KentOnline readers raised almost £12,000 for the teenager in just a week.

The German teenager was left with life-changing brain damage following a racially-motivated attack in Canterbury city centre in 2019.

Last Thursday, KentOnline's sister paper the Kentish Gazette launched a fundraiser to help Daniel and his family, whose heartbreaking testimony at a recent court hearing laid bare the “devastating” impact the attack has had upon their lives.

The brutal assault - which saw 17-year-old Daniel beaten with a bag of bricks by local teens and kicked full force in the head while he was on a post-exam trip - has left him unable to speak or read.

His family have been left struggling with debt and depression, as they provide Daniel with round-the-clock care in a second-floor flat in Germany, which is not adapted to his needs.

They are forced to wheel him around in an office chair, as the apartment is not large enough to accommodate a wheelchair, while someone must always sleep beside him on the floor.

Thanks to the generous support of more than 500 readers, the online appeal has raised more than £11,800 in the last seven days.

A separate fundraiser set up two years ago in the aftermath of Daniel’s assault raised thousands of pounds, which helped pay for the Ezzedines’ accommodation and living costs while they stayed near Daniel’s London hospital.

But the cash soon ran out and the family was forced to take on debts - which can now be paid off thanks to the money raised this week.

One of Daniel’s older brothers, Samer Ezzedine, says the funds will be “a great help”.

“The donation helps us in many areas,” he said.

“Firstly we still have many debts because of the stay in London and also in the early days in Germany.

'We are very grateful and surprised that so many people have participated...'

“The donation two years ago could cover a large part of the costs in London but not everything, so we had to borrow money in addition. Thanks to the current donation we can use a part of it to pay off some of our debts.”

He says the money will also help cover the cost of driving Daniel to therapy every day.

“There are also some therapies we have to pay ourselves,” he said.

“What is left we [will invest in] therapies with the goal that Daniel learns his lost skills again.”

Samer says his family is touched to know Daniel remains in the thoughts of so many Canterbury residents, two years on from the attack.

“We are very grateful and surprised that so many people have participated,” he said.

“Since also the corona crisis many people have yielded financial problems, and yet the participation is so great. We appreciate that all the more.

“We really thank all those who have not forgotten Daniel and continue to support us.”

Many donors have left touching messages on the fundraising page, expressing their sorrow and support for the Ezzedines.

“I’m so sorry this happened and hope you manage to raise the funds to make things just a little easier,” wrote one supporter.

Another said they are “so ashamed that this could happen in Canterbury”.

And another person who made a donation wrote: “Just so tragic for you all. I’m so sorry this happened and hope you manage to raise the funds to make things just a little easier.”

Paul Johnson, who launched the fundraiser that ran two years ago, says he is glad a new appeal has been set up.

He said: “I hope the people in Germany - because it made the national news there - find out about the contributions from the people of Kent and Canterbury and realise the true people of Canterbury want to help and won’t forget about it.”

The fundraiser remains open for those who wish to donate.

Kentish Gazette editor Joe Walker said: “It is heartbreaking to read of the impact this horrific attack has had on Daniel and his family.

“The city’s community rallied to support them when Daniel was in hospital, and we are delighted and grateful they have come together again to help them during Daniel’s recovery.

“All donations will be transferred directly to Daniel’s family.”

To donate, visit the fundraiser's Justgiving page.

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