Two nights ago, James wrote the following on Facebook. It is something that would have taken a lot of courage to write, let alone live through...

Hello. It's me.

I've never been much of a post-er, so for those who are interested: four weeks ago I was attacked in Ion Gardens off Columbia Road as I was walking home. I visited the site yesterday with my sister, where the council have since installed new street lamps across this little park. In six years in the East End, I've felt safer here and in London generally than in most other towns in the country.

The group of four took everything I had, passport, phone, computer with valuable work, concert clothes and scores, before attacking me with a mace and/or knuckle dusters leaving multiple fractures in the eye socket and cheekbone.

The NHS are a national treasure: Prof Simon Holmes rebuilt my face in an amazing operation which he has demonstrated on the BBC's An Hour to Save your Life, for the distinctly unsqueamish. The result should mean a return to full sight and health in a few months.

Victim Support and Saving Faces are fantastic. As are my friends. And family.

Having read the harrowing account, it struck me that we can help James in his recovery. He would never ask for help and would certainly never expect it. (I might even get in trouble for starting this to raise funds, but am determined to do so.) Over 500 of you shared my horror, sadness and anger of what has happened and 347 people commented on the status. We all care and can be there, albeit in a small way, to make the next few months a little easier-if only financially.

If everyone could donate even £5, we could raise a whopping £2500 to help James recover his loss of earnings, both in the weeks since the accident and going forward. Let's face it, this is the busiest time of year for concerts and such like, and James will surely not be able to play and will have had to cancel many engagements. Please help

Thank you