ALMOST £1,000 was raised for the Royal Navy veteran who was knocked over by a group of teenagers last month.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Patrick Murphy suffered severe bruising to the face after a gang pushed him over and stole his shopping while he was on the way back from the supermarket on Saturday, September 14.

The crime prompted an outpouring of disgust towards the thugs while members of the community rallied together in a bid to restore Patrick's faith in humanity.

One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, set up a JustGiving appeal to pay for Patrick's shopping and enough taxi journeys so he wouldn't have to walk.

And this week the Gazette can reveal the total amount raised was £964.

Speaking to this newspaper, the woman said: "We had a chat on the phone and I transferred the money over. I am popping over to meet him on Friday."

Addressing the hundreds of people who donated, she said: "I just want to say a massive thank you to all who donated to this fund raising.

"We raised a huge £964 in total (after Just Giving took their fees) and this money has now been given to the man in question - thank you people of Basingstoke."

Patrick previously described feeling 'gobsmacked' after learning about the campaign.

"I wasn't expecting any of this at all. I just want to say thank you to everyone really. It has restored my faith in humanity," he told this newspaper last month.

Lidl also got in touch with Patrick to offer to replace his groceries while Alpha Taxis offered to take him to the supermarket.

Hampshire Constabulary said no one had been arrested and said anyone with information about the teenagers involved should contact them on 101.

n The Gazette is currently looking for Basingstoke's Nicest Person. Last week, we launched our campaign to recognise the kindest in our society. To nominate someone, simply write 250 words about them to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk. A winner will be announced of Thursday, November 7.