A private hire driver who had his taxi vandalised by football fans during England’s quarter final win against Sweden, has received a £5,000 cheque from public donations to help him get back behind the wheel. The money will help the father of one to buy a new taxi and continue as a cab driver in the taxi trade.
Concerns for Cabbie’s Career
Nottingham Cars driver, Arif Qureshi, of Nuthall has endured a long road to recovery following the shocking damage to his Peugeot 508 by vandals. The mob shattered his sunroof, smashed his windscreen and destroyed the bonnet, offering the driver coins as an insulting compromise for the damage caused. The driver had to escape his car, and watch helplessly from a distance, while the mob continued to act out their vandalism.
On-going stress and no vehicle meant Mr Qureshi was unable to return to work. However, an outstanding £4,819.84 has been raised by the generous public, which will contribute towards a new taxi and allow the cabbie to get back on the road.
Mr Qureshi said: “The car has been written off and the insurance are paying a minimal amount. I don’t have another car and I’ve not been in a mental state where I could go back to work. Hopefully, after this week, I might be in a better position. If you’re bringing home money every day and week and then find it’s no longer there, you’re having to use savings or your overdraft which ultimately results in financial debt.”
Phenomenal Support From the Public to Save Driver’s Future
Chelsea Reason, of Long Eaton, raised £3,299.89 through her fundraising campaign while additional money was donated by Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Group, Nottingham Cars and the public. She said: “The match was meant to be a celebration but this behavior has ruined it. People have been brilliant, around 600 people have kindly donated.”
Walid Ahmad, from Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Group, said: “We set up a fund-raising page to help Arif get back on the road, we wanted to restore his faith. You put yourself in their shoes. Everyone was really keen, the average donation was £10 to £15.”
Mr Qureshi commented: “I had a call on the Sunday (after it happened) to let me know that people had donated thousands of pounds and I was absolutely shocked. They’ve gone out of their way to raise so much money. Some people donated £100 and didn’t even want their names published. I want to thank them. It never came to mind that people would do something like that. This money will go towards buying a new taxi.”
Police Appeal Following Vandalism on Taxi
Nottinghamshire Police said a 27-year-old man has voluntarily handed himself in and has been given a conditional caution. A 53-year-old man has also handed himself in to police, was voluntarily interviewed and has since been released pending investigation. Police said an appeal is operating to track down others who were involved in the incident.
Nice to see support for the taxi trade! Are you a cab driver that has shared a similar experience? Contact us with your comments on our Facebook page or Twitter feed.