Much-loved Birmingham Big Issue vendor Karl Lamsdale, also known as Bubble, has thanked well-wishers for the stream of messages he’s received after being badly injured in an incident involving a vehicle in late January.
Bubble is a well-known part of the local community in Snow Hill and has been selling The Big Issue for more than 18 years. He suffered serious and extensive injuries and was on life support. More than a month later, he is still in hospital and unable to speak due to a tracheotomy.
Jon Hyde, Birmingham team leader, said: “Karl works every day, only taking time off on his birthday, his mum’s birthday and Christmas and Boxing Day.
“He’s a huge part of the community. We have had so many emails and phone calls checking that Karl was OK but with data protection rules we needed his permission and he was sedated until recently.”
A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has raised more than almost £1000 to “help ensure a soft landing for Karl when he is well enough to leave hospital care and begin rehab”. Karl’s brother Sam has reported that he is now “fully awake and with it” and that messages of support from his friends and customers have given him a real boost.
West Midlands Police told The Big Issue: “The investigation is ongoing.
