Until a stranger’s act of kindness turned his fortunes around forever, Alan Barnes’s life had been a hard luck story.

Born disabled, he has suffered from sight and growth problems, never been able to work and his distinctive appearance attracts stares in the street.

When a mugger pushed him to the ground outside his home and broke his collar bone, the 67-year-old was determined to soldier on as he’s always done.

But local beautician Katie Cutler heard about the cowardly attack and set up anonline appealto raise £500 to help the unfortunate Mr Barnes.

As of today the appeal had hit £330,125!

Mr Barnes, who is very frail, just over 4ft tall and weighs around six stone, has been overwhelmed by the response from well-wishers across the globe.