Aldridge stabbing: Donations flood in for family after James Brindley's death
More than £4,000 was raised in less than 12 hours for the young stabbing victim's funeral.
A crowdfunding campaign for the family of a young man stabbed to death in Aldridge has raised more than £5,000 in less than 24 hours.
Over 200 people have already donated to a fundraising page set up on Saturday evening to help relatives pay for funeral costs after James Brindley was killed on Friday night.
The 26-year-old from Aldridge died on the village's High Street after being stabbed following a night out with friends, in an attack which has shocked the community.
Police are treating Mr Brindley's death as murder, but detectives are so far unsure of what motivated the attack on a person who has been described as "thoughtful and genuine - always the Good Samaritan and first to help anyone in need."
And as officers attempt to piece together what happened on Friday night, dozens of friends, neighbours and members of the public have donated to the JustGiving page which raised more than £4,000 in less than 12 hours.
The page was set up on Saturday night by Tom Stopford, a friend from Aldridge who first met Mr Brindley when the pair were in year 4 together at Cooper and Jordan primary school.
On the crowdfunding site, Mr Stopford wrote: "Unfortunately, on the evening of 23rd of June 2017, a son, brother and close friend to many was cruelly taken from us on his way home.
"James Brindley, just 26 years old from Aldridge. He was the kindest, most thoughtful, genuine and honourable young man.
"No person can replace the warming presence he carried with him. When he entered a room he was guaranteed to make someone laugh.
"He had such a love for life, for his family and his friends. No words can express the kind of person Jim was, and the impact he had on those around him.
"He was always the person to inspire you to chase your dreams, or to help out a friend or stranger in need.
"His caring nature had no boundaries and his positive vibes followed him wherever he went.
"This funding is just a small token to go towards his family to help with funeral costs. Please donate what you can."
Money has been given not just by friends, acquaintances and former classmates from Cooper and Jordan and Aldridge School, but also by many people, such as Kristian Holland, who didn't know Mr Brindley but have been shocked by his death.
Mr Holland wrote: "Didn't know him personally but devastated to hear that someone in our local community was taken so cruelly. The support for this shows how much he was loved, RIP James."
Gavin Lovsey-Vincent added: "We didn't know you but it has shocked the village that we live in. RIP young man"
And as well as public donations of as much as £500, tributes have been pouring in for Mr Brindley, whose family described him as "deeply sensitive and fiercely loyal to his friends."
Jade Billingham wrote: "Jim a true gentleman, 1 of a kind, so many memories that will be treasured for the rest of my life. I am honoured to have known you!! Sleep tight gorgeous. Heaven has gained a pure angel."
Echoing the sentiments of many of the donors, Jade Morgan said: "Still chocked up, can't believe it James. Amazing young man, never will you be forgotten. Love and thoughts to your family."
Meanwhile Chris Haddock highlighted Mr Brindley's sense of humour, writing: "There was never a day go by where you didn't make every single person in your presence smile, laugh and feel happy. Nothing but brilliant memories that will last a lifetime."
And Safina Khan added: "Such a terrible thing to happen to such a beautiful family. I will always remember the kindness he gave the day I met James. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. RIP James."
Detectives from West Midlands Police are appealing for anyone with information to get in contact by calling the force on 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jamesbrindley
