A brave security guard who sustained severe injuries during the Manchester synagogue terror attack has received over £40,000 in donations to support his recovery.
Andrew Franks, a volunteer, was among the three individuals seriously harmed when Jihad al-Shamie initiated a stabbing spree at Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur, a significant day in the Jewish faith.
Friends praised Mr. Franks for his courageous actions, which allowed Rabbi Daniel Walker and other worshippers to secure the doors before the assailant could cause more harm inside the synagogue.
The 35-year-old attacker, who was shot dead by armed officers, had used his Kia Picanto to ram into crowds before exiting the vehicle to stab those nearby.
Tragically, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, lost their lives, while Mr. Franks and Yoni Finlay were left with severe injuries.
A fundraising campaign launched for Mr. Franks highlighted the extent of his injuries, including head, neck, and facial trauma, along with multiple fractures.
It was revealed by a friend, Jonathan Patoff, that Mr. Franks had recently suffered another loss when his wife passed away from cancer earlier in the year, leaving him as the sole caregiver for their 16-year-old daughter.
Described as a modest and valiant man, Mr. Franks bravely defended the synagogue attendees during the attack, sustaining physical and emotional wounds that will require time to heal. The fundraiser has already garnered nearly £44,000 in donations.
Mourners gathered to honor Mr. Daulby at his funeral, where Rabbi Daniel Walker shared details of his heroic efforts to secure the synagogue doors before being tragically killed by a police bullet aimed at the perpetrator.
Authorities revealed that al-Shamie had a criminal record but was not previously flagged by counter-terrorism agencies.
Four individuals, including two men aged 30 and 32, a 61-year-old woman, and a 46-year-old woman, are currently in custody on suspicion of plotting terrorist activities following the incident.