Community raises £1,000 for Conwy claw hammer victim

Sep 2 2010 By Mari Jones

Jonathan Williams

FRIENDS and family of a young man who was left fighting for his life after being bludgeoned over the head with a claw hammer, have raised over £1,000 to buy him a vital rehabilitation product.

Former mechanic, Jonathan Williams, 20, was attacked near his home in Gorlan, Conwy, in the early hours of July 10.

He had 42 stitches to repair the wound on his head and so far has no feeling along the right hand side of his body, as he suffered nerve damage.

Last Sunday, hundreds of his friends and family rallied around to organise a sponsored walk and football tournament at Conwy Football Club to raise money for Jonathan.

Jonathan said: "I’m so touched by all the support I’ve had from everybody in Conwy, it really has helped me get through all this.

"It was amazing last Sunday, so many people turned up and over £1,000 was raised to buy a Saebo Flex.

"It will help me open and close my hand, it helps people with neurological injuries."

Jonathan said: "I try and be positive because it’s better than being stuck at home with my head in the sand.

"I can walk but after 30 to 40 yards my legs start shaking, so I also need a Saebo Flex for my leg but they are very expensive and can cost up to £4,500."

His mother, Jane Taylor, paid tribute to her son’s bravery. She said: "Because Jonathan is so positive he makes me feel better about the whole situation.

"I’m over the shock now, and I’m dealing with what has happened.

"People in Conwy have been so kind to us, the support has been amazing and I’d like to thank everyone."

Jonathan revealed he’s hoping to start a course in social work at Coleg Llandrillo, in September.

"Unfortunately, I can’t be a mechanic anymore, so I’m looking forward to perhaps doing some probation work or perhaps help at a youth club.

"I’d really like to thank everyone at HM Stanley Hospital, Janet my physiotherapist, and my occupational therapist, they’ve all been wonderful.

"I’d also like to thank all my family and friends from the bottom of my heart, as their support has got me through this."