James needs a little help

Hi, my name is Kevin and I'd love it if you could help a friend of mine.

His name is James, and how we became friends is something I might make a film of one day.

James is an Uber driver and about a year ago, when I was feeling at my lowest, he came to pick me up to drop me at an event. I think he sensed something was wrong and refused to let us ride in silence. Before I knew it, I was using the back of his taxi as a safe therapy space and feeling better about all things.

The remarkable thing about this friendship is that every time I felt low after that first meeting, James would magically show up to pick up not only me but also my spirits.

He was and still is some kind of Uber fairy Godfather, if you will.

During this time, we exchanged numbers and planned to go for walks just to talk. In all honesty, both my Grandfathers have now passed on, and making an older friend (70), specifically a black male older friend like James, has helped with this part of growing and being an adult.

I think it was mid-August when I realised I hadn't heard from James; he hadn't replied to my texts, nor had he come to pick me up in a while.

A little worry sank in, but at the same time, life was so busy. It was summer and everyone was enjoying being back outside.

Yesterday I waited for my taxi to pick me up; guess who it should be - James!!

"Uncle" - to anyone not of the black diaspora, any elders, regardless of blood relations, will become your aunt, uncle, Dad or Mum - "where have you been?" I asked.

With heavy eyes he explained the reason I have set up this GoFundMe.

On the 6th of August, whilst finishing work for the night around 1am, James was set upon by a younger man with some kind of metal bar and beaten over the head and body.

His car was stolen, amongst other items like his phone, hence the lack of contact. Driving was James' only form of income, and at the end of the year he was due to finish paying the car off after almost eight years as an Uber driver.

Now he has to start again. Uber is meant to help their drivers in this situation but they have remained uncommunicative while the insurance people are dragging their feet.

The police response? "You're lucky to be alive - be thankful."

With mounting bills and loss of income, James had no choice but to take out a loan with high-interest rates and use all of his savings to get a new car. It's worth noting James also does private chauffeuring, so the level of the car is essential to the job.

I am trying to raise money so James can pay back that loan early and ease some of his money issues while the insurers get their act together.

You don't know James, but most of you know me, and if not for some of those conversations and moments of wisdom, I'm not sure where I'd be, so I'd love to try and raise this money for my friend.

Please help me.

Anyone requiring the crime reference number, please feel free to message me directly.