A sad update has emerged regarding the heroic Nottingham Forest supporter who intervened during a mass stabbing on a train from Doncaster to London on November 1. Stephen Crean, 61, was injured in the altercation but was later recognised for his bravery, receiving a standing ovation at the City Ground after being invited by club owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Eleven people were taken to hospital following the attack on the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service. Passengers called the police, and armed officers boarded the train in Huntingdon. Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder including that of Mr Crean - two counts of possession of a bladed article, and one count of actual bodily harm.
Over £62,000 has been raised in Crean’s name through a JustGiving page. Unfortunately, that support hasn’t helped him fully recover from a stab wound to his left hand, which has left him unable to work.
Heroic Nottingham Forest Fan's Hand Will 'Never Recover'
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Crean told the BBC that his left hand will not fully recover, with a "best case" scenario of regaining 75% use. He recounted the experience, describing how he felt the knife "twist and turn" in his hand after grabbing it during the confrontation.
"Even though the cuts might be deep at the back, it's the hand. I can feel it especially at nighttime, it's a nightmare," he added. He has since had one operation on his arm and fingers. Doctors told him they would try to get back "75% use" of his hand, but as a left-handed printer, he fears for his future.
Recovering at his home in Wimbledon, London, the Nottingham Forest fan of 50 years said that despite his injuries, he had "no regrets. I will get better. I know [my hand] won't be 100%, but it will get better."
Taking his physical recovery "day by day," Crean said he was also trying to talk to people about what happened, calling it a kind of "cure." He recalled that the most "emotional" moment following the attack was seeing his family. "I was in absolute bits because I don't want anyone, especially my family, to see me like this," he added.
"It meant the world to me. I could see people clapping, applauding, and I just thank them so much," he concluded, after being asked about the support he's received since his courageous act. "I would have been happy with a few quid to go down the pub. I didn't expect anything."