Friends of the mother who was the target of a chemical attack in Clapham have thanked “wonderful NHS staff” who are treating her burns in hospital.
Loved ones set up a fundraiser to help the victim’s family “rebuild their lives” after a man threw an alkali substance over the mother, 31, and her two daughters, aged three and eight, on January 31.
In an update posted on Sunday, the organisers said: “We want to pay tribute to the wonderful NHS staff. The family are getting the best care from an incredibly talented and caring team.”
They also referenced a post made by Loose Women star Katie Piper, who survived an acid attack, which said: “Burns treatment is a long process and going over target is still very much needed.”
Ms Piper, 40, has given £1,000 to the fundraiser, which has received at least £41,000 worth of donations in total. The goal is £50,000.
A nationwide manhunt is still ongoing for 35-year-old suspect Abdul Ezedi, with police resuming their search in the Thames over the weekend.
Bodies of two men were unexpectedly found in the river on Saturday morning, but neither are Ezedi. A police boat was seen circling between Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges on Sunday.
Detectives believe Ezedi may have gone into the river on the night of the attack, after he was seen on CCTV leaning over the railings of Chelsea Bridge in west London.
On Friday, the force said its main working hypothesis was that Ezedi had “gone into” the river but his body may never be found due to the speed of the current.
It is believed that Ezedi was in a relationship with the woman at some point, the breakdown of which is considered a possible motive.
Commander Jon Savell confirmed she remains in a “critical but stable condition” in hospital and was still “very poorly and unable to speak” to police.
Her family said: “We can’t believe we’ve almost reached £40,000 in just a few days. Every donation, share and comment on this page has been a ray of light during this very difficult time.
“So many of us are struggling financially right now, so seeing over 2000 of you contribute really means the world.
“Beyond the money raised, knowing the family has so much support in the community will be so powerful for their recovery and helping them feel safe again.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. [The victim] continues to be sedated in hospital. We still don’t know the full extent of damage to her vision.
“We appreciate anything and everything you can do to keep building support.”
