A BEAUTICIAN who has raised more than £250,000 to help a frail pensioner after he was attacked outside his home has had an emotional first meeting with him.

Katie Cutler, 21, was so touched when she read about the plight of 67-year-old Alan Barnes she set up a fundraising page.

Mr Barnes, who was born with sight and growth problems and weighs just six stone, was targeted by an opportunist thug last Sunday.

He was pushed to the ground and left with a broken collarbone by the cruel yob, who fled the scene empty handed.

Today the unlikely pair embraced as they met for the very first time at his sister's home in Benton, Newcastle, where Mr Barnes is currently staying as he is too afraid to go home to Low Fell in Gateshead.

In emotional scenes tearful Miss Cutler held Mr Barnes in her arms and then held his hand as they sat beside each other on the sofa and chatted.

She asked how his injuries were healing and presented him with some chocolates and a get-well card.

Mr Barnes, who is only just over four feet tall after his mother contracted measles during pregnancy, said: "It was absolutely magic to see her.

"I did not know what to expect or if she would even want to meet me. It is very hard to take in.

“I don't often get compliments, but I have had quite a few lately, which is lovely. It shows that one person can make a huge difference to somebody's life.”

Miss Cutler, a mother-of-one, from Greenside, Gateshead, added: "Alan is exactly how I thought he would be, friendly and polite.

“I hope that he can get a house with this money. I am really overwhelmed to be here. It is lovely. It doesn't feel real to be honest. I knew I would get upset when I saw him, but it is happy tears.

“I never thought it would take off in this way. I am thrilled that it has done.”

Mr Barnes is well known in Low Fell and active in community, regularly going to church.

He loves walking and is popular with youths in the area as he is an excellent mathematician and is able to quickly work out how many days a person has been alive after being given their birth date.

He added: “I am totally overwhelmed and incredibly grateful to Katie for what she has done for me.

“The youth of today don't always get portrayed in a positive light, but I won't ever forget what this young woman has done for me.

“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. The money will certainly not be wasted. I am not a flash person, so I won't be splashing out on an expensive holiday. I plan to put it to good use.

“Despite what happened to me, I always knew there were good people in the world, and this has confirmed it.”