A fundraiser has been set up for Roy Larner, dubbed the Lion of London Bridge, after he was allegedly denied Government compensation for his injuries.
Last week Roy told media outlets including the News he had been denied compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, because of his unspent convictions.
He is appealing the decision.
The Millwall fan was stabbed repeatedly in the arm, neck and chest when he tackled terrorists during the London Bridge attacks, screaming ‘F*** you I’m Millwall.”
Now friends have rallied around him with a fundraiser, in case his appeal for compensation is not successful, with the money being donated to a charity if it is.
The appeal, which has raised over £1,000, was set up by Roy’s friend, Jayne Jacob, who praised him as ‘courageous’ and ‘funny’.
She told the News: “I visited Roy in hospital the day after he was attacked and the injuries alone he received, not including how it affected him mentally, convinced me we should be grateful and supporting him and this is why I am proud to call him my friend and try and raise some money for him.
“I’ve heard many people being very derogatory about him and what they think they know about him. However I have not heard anyone say he does not deserve compensation for his bravery.”
“I feel so appreciative,” added Roy. “People have been putting loads of messages of support for me as well.
“If we get the compensation, then I’ll donate it all to charity.”
A previous fundraiser also set up by Ms Jacob for the London Bridge hero immediately following the June 2017 attack, had raised around £50,000.
The money went on rent, Roy said, as he did not have any other means to pay for accommodation.
“I went a bit backwards, people didn’t want to put me up,” explained Roy, who is currently sofa-surfing while he seeks housing help from the authorities.
He has previously told the News of his mental health struggles, having been diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD following the June 2017 atrocity.
Earlier this month Roy also revealed how he had been attending Government anti-terror classes over far-right radicalisation fears – which he thought had been compulsory.
However a Home Office spokesperson told this paper that while it could not comment on Roy personally, the Prevent scheme was voluntary.