Brentford double stabbing: Fund in honour of heroic Ali Abucar Ali - who died saving gran - is above £70K

A 20-year-old man stabbed to death when he stepped in to save a great, great gran who had popped out to buy a kebab was today hailed as a “hero” by shocked neighbours.

A fund set up in memory of tragic Ali Abucar Ali had raised more than £70,000 by 3pm today.

Ali came to the rescue of 82-year-old Betty Walsh, in Brentford, Hounslow, on Friday night - where both were stabbed.

Betty survived, but remains in hospital, while Ali sadly died.

Norris Henry, 37, of Brentford, is due to appear before Uxbridge Magistrates Court today, charged with the murder of Ali and the attempted murder of Betty.

The family of Betty said she will remain in St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, for a number of weeks after undergoing emergency surgery.

The retired barmaid’s eldest daughter, Bridget, said: “She will come out eventually, but it could be a few weeks or a month.

“We are devastated that we weren’t able to see her on Saturday, but my sister has since been allowed to see her.”

A fundraiser has been set up to help Ali’s family, following his tragic death.

The tribute read: “We lost a dear brother, the most caring, humble and funniest young man.

“Don’t have a single memory of him without seeing his amazing smile.”

Brentford residents praised Ali’s selfless bravery in rushing to help Betty.

Laura Williams, 46, said: “If he had not rushed to help poor Betty she probably would have lost her life with immediate effect.

“He stopped in a difficult situation and performed a selfless act for which he paid the ultimate price.

“I really have no words that can describe how his poor family are feeling.

“They deserve every penny raised from the GoFundMe page they have set up. I hope it can form a lasting legacy for him.

“They raised a good person who put himself on the line for someone else and tried to come to their rescue.

“Brentford has lost a very decent human being. He is a hero, 100 per cent.”

A man, who did not want to be named, said: “He is heroic and an inspiration to everyone.

“Not many people would do what he did. Betty’s family should be incredibly grateful that he came to her aid.”

Local resident Beatrice Kangethe, 32, said: “He is a hero, but I do not think he expected that to happen.

“He thought he would go and help her. What happened is just so sad, the old woman must be traumatised.”

Deidrie Smith, 81, said: “He was not thinking of himself when he rushed to help Betty.

“He gave his life up but couldn’t have expected something so awful to happen to him.”