Staffordshire businessman Matthew O’Gara, who was a director at the Plough pub in Huddlesford, was attacked on the evening of Sunday 24 May and later died in hospital.
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Following the tragic incident, the Midlands community has come together to launch a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe for donations towards his funeral.
“We would all like to give Matt the farewell he deserves,” the fundraiser stated.
Unimaginable pain
“Matt was a much-loved member of our community and this tragedy has left unimaginable pain for so many people.
“You can not prepare or comprehend for this kind of tragedy and at such a young age. A kind man so full of life with so much to look forward to, so cruelly taken.
“Matt leaves a loving partner, family and an overwhelming legacy of friendship and overarching goodness. The void left by Matt will be incomprehensible for many people and many years to come.”
The fundraiser had raised more than £10,000 of its £12,000 target at the time of publication.
All funds raised will go towards the cost of O’Gara’s funeral, with any additional donations to be gifted to a brain injury charity.
Serious injuries
Staffordshire Police were called to the Ricco & Loren bar on Market Street in Lichfield, just three miles from O’Gara’s pub, following reports that two men had been punched.
O’Gara was seriously injured and subsequently died in hospital on Tuesday 26 May. The second victim was also taken to hospital but was later discharged.
Solihull man Billy Allison, aged 36, was arrested just after 5am on Monday (26 May) and appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre the following day.
After a hearing at Stafford Crown Court on Thursday 28 May, Allison was charged with murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.
He is next due to appear at Stafford Crown Court on Tuesday 1 September.
