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A woman who was so touched when she met assault victim Joe Shaw has run a 100 miles to raise money for him.
Joe, now 25, was left with life-changing injuries and unable to walk and talk after he was attacked in Ramsgate on a night out last year.
After meeting Joe at a rehabilitation centre, support carer Vicki Holden, from Broadstairs, decided she wanted to help, pledging to run 100 miles within a three-week time period to raise cash to help fund equipment to get Joe home.
The attack left Joe, who was a self-employed plasterer, in a coma and has had catastrophic effects on his life as he is unable to complete basic tasks alone and is confined to a wheelchair.
Vicki completed her run on Saturday (March 30), with Joe and dozens of supporters waiting at the finish line at a rehabilitation centre in Herne Bay, where Joe stays.
“Seeing Joe’s face at the end with a beaming smile made me feel very emotional,” the 32-year-old said. “I ran through the red ribbon then placed my medal around Joe’s neck. His reaction was priceless, it was a great moment.
"I mapped the last part of my run to finish at Joe's care home in Herne Bay.
"I feel very close to Joe’s family now and have made a friend for life in Joe.”
More than £6,000 has already been donated, and Vicki says she plans to fundraise until he gets home, which will include climbing Snowdon in July.
Bluewave Hydropool in Margate will be holding a 100-hour swim for Joe on Saturday, June 1, where people can pay £5 to swim for 30 minutes.
Vicki will be hosting a fundraising drive in Birchington on Friday, May 17, including a band, charity waxing and a raffle featuring a signed UB40 top.
Vicki added: "The run has been harder than I thought but I don't regret taking the challenge at all, after all it was for a great cause.
"My plan now will be to continue fundraising for Joe until we get him home. Already the target has been met, it's not at £6,000 which is incredible.
"I would like to thank everyone who has donated so far.
"The minute I stop supporting him is the minute he is home and in a comfortable position where he can lead a normal life by himself."
"I feel very close to Joe’s family now and have made a friend for life in Joe..." Vicki Holden
Joe, who is due to have an operation this month to reform his skull, communicates by spelling words out on a letter board with his finger.
He is determined to speak and walk again.
Joe's attacker, Liam Bayliss, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for his premeditated search for a fight.
Read more: All the latest news from Thanet
To donate to Joe's cause, click here.
