A young Muslim of Somali origin who was killed a few days ago while trying to save an elderly woman west of the capital, London, has turned into a true hero in Britain, according to a report by Al Jazeera English.
It is reported that the young man, Ali Abu Bakr Ali, 20, intervened last week to help Betty Walsh, 82, who was stabbed and punched outside a shop near her home in Brentford, west London, and close to his home.
The incident occurred hours after Ali, a student at Kingston University, finished a training session for a boys' team at a local basketball club.
Donations to the GoFundMe page, launched in honor of the young Muslim's memory, exceeded $120,000 in just two days.
"Ali was the most honest, loyal and caring person I've ever met," says former international basketball player Michael Quinto, who is also the founder of the basketball club where Ali was coach.
Quinto was not surprised that the young Somali Muslim tried to help the elderly woman, adding, "He just didn't deserve what happened to him... He was an innocent and a very pure human being."
"The boys Ali trained between the ages of six and ten will remember his kindness and passion for sports... He made them feel like stars... He is someone who makes you believe in you more than you believe in yourself."
The "Gu Fiend Me" page, which was created in honor of his memory and praised his kindness, also called him, "We have lost a dear brother, the most kind, humble and humorous young man."
The BBC reported that the main suspect in the murder, 37-year-old Norris Henry, appeared in Uxbridge Court of First Instance on Monday for the murder of Ali and the attempted murder of Walsh, and will appear before the Central Criminal Court in London on Wednesday .
Quinto plans to hold a vigil in Ali's honor next Saturday, which will be held in a park near the scene.