A MAN left sickened after “vile thugs” brutally beat an elderly cancer sufferer and ripped jewellery from his wrist has launched a campaign to help him.

Shane Yerrell, of Springfield, Waltham Abbey, said he could not stand by and do nothing after hearing about Ahmet Dobran’s plight.

The 82-year-old was robbed of his gold bracelet by muggers who dragged him across the ground and left him with a broken back in Newham last week.

But kind-hearted Mr Yerrell hopes to raise £500, which will be given to him when he recovers.

He said: “It takes a lot to surprise me but this did. It’s disgusting to the next level. He’s a vulnerable old man and what those muggers did was vile.

“We have got to stand up to behaviour like that. They went out of their way to beat him up without caring it could ruin a family’s life.

“Every week I see new levels of low and this is one of the worst things I’ve ever seen.”

Mr Yerrell himself was stabbed in the head by masked attackers in Halloween 2007 and since then, has devoted his life to supporting good causes.

He suffered trauma and flashbacks as a result of the attack and has since dedicated much of his life to supporting charities and raising money for others affected by knife crime.

His charity, Through the Fight, helps people suffering from ill health and disability and bereavement, as well as victims of crime over the past six years.

In just a few days, his campaign to help Mr Dobran on JustGiving has raised £250 but he still hopes to meet his £500 target.

He added: “I’ve spoken to Mr Dobran’s family and they are lovely. In an ideal world he will recover and I will give him the money.

“I was instantly frustrated when I heard what happened to him. I hope this will be a nice ending to a horrible story.”

To support the appeal, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shane-yerrell-486