Beaten and left for dead by tram tracks

Reporter Mark Johnson

A man was left for dead following a vicious and sustained attack, which saw him suffering a fractured skull as well as a bleed on the brain and broken jaw.

Carl (25) originally from the Lees area was walking home after the Rochdale Feel Good Festival where he went into a fast food restaurant. Shortly after leaving the restaurant he was approached by a man who asked him for a cigarette. The CCTV shows Carl being knocked to the floor and then beaten by the four assailants who fled up Drake street towards Manchester Road.

The paramedics and police at the scene believed had only suffered a cut to the lip and a minor concussion. The on duty staff at the Royal Oldham Hospital quickly realised that Carl had actually sustained far greater injuries including a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain. He was then rushed to the brain injury specialists at the Hope Hospital in Salford, where he spent eleven days recovering.

Carl, who is now recovering at home, was initially asked if “we” could set up a website for him to donate money for his recovery. Carl said that he would like that.

Sponsored by Jude Gidney Photography

Mark then contacted his cousin, Phil, who is well connected in the Manchester music scene and between them they decided to put on a beneficiary fund concert. 50% of the money raised at the event will go to Carl’s chosen charity LGBT Foundation and 50% to Mark’s chosen charity MIND.

The event will take place on this Friday, 8 September 21.00 at Austerland’s Cricket Club It has already gained donations from local businesses, such as Tesco the Co-op as well as the former Manchester United player Paul Scholes, (donating a piece of football memorabilia) which will be given in a raffle and auction.

Mark, has been in contact with various news outlets across the country and has garnered an unbelievable amount of press coverage in the country, as well as the local area. Both Mark and his cousin Phil have set up this beneficiary night which has expanded into something far bigger than they initially intentioned.

All the family wish Carl a speedy recovery. They told Saddleworth News: “We thank humbly the people who have donated their time, money and love to this event. Anyone is welcome and it is totally free.”

For more information about the event please click here – Fund Raiser for Carl and Mark

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

If you would like to share an interesting story, achievement, photo or something you just want to happily shout about please send it in an email to hello@saddleworthlife.com We'd ❤ to hear from you!!