A self-employed fashion worker has launched a fundraising appeal after an alleged homophobic assault in East London left him requiring surgery, unable to work normally and struggling financially.
Callum Olver, from South Wimbledon, was attacked in Broadway Market, Hackney, during the early hours of 4 July, the day of this year's Pride in London.
Olver suffered a serious facial fracture that required surgery and says the physical and emotional impact of the attack has dramatically affected his ability to work and earn an income.
In a statement accompanying his fundraising appeal, Olver said he had hesitated before asking for financial support but felt he had run out of options.
Callum Olver
"A few weeks ago I was the victim of a homophobic assault which resulted in a serious facial fracture and surgery," he said. "Since then, life has been pretty overwhelming, both physically and mentally."
As a self-employed worker in the fashion industry, Olver said time away from work has had an immediate impact on his finances.
"I've only managed to work once or twice since my surgery and, honestly, I've felt quite anxious and not really myself when I've tried to get back into it," he said.
The attack was reported to the Metropolitan Police and the investigation remains ongoing. Olver says no arrests have been made at this stage.
While photographs documenting his injuries and recovery highlight the physical consequences of the assault, Olver says the mental health impact has been even more challenging.
"The mental side of everything has probably been the hardest part," he said. "I'm struggling with my mood and energy and have found myself feeling very overwhelmed by everything that's happened."
He revealed he is due to begin therapy and is hoping professional support will help him recover from the trauma of the attack.
Olver also took a short trip to Turkey in an attempt to clear his head and focus on his wellbeing, but said he returned home still facing mounting financial pressures.
"Because I'm self-employed, not being able to work normally means there's no regular income to fall back on or sick pay," he said. "I'm currently behind on my rent and have other expenses and debts that have built up while I've been recovering."
He said he has been seeking assistance from a range of organisations, including Universal Credit, Citizens Advice, his GP and his local council, but that immediate financial support has been limited.
Callum Olver
The fundraising appeal is intended to help cover essentials including rent, food and household bills while he gradually returns to work.
"I'm not setting this up to make money from what happened to me," Olver said. "I'm setting it up because right now I need a little bit of breathing room."
Despite the challenges of recent weeks, he said he remains focused on recovery and rebuilding his life.
"I'm trying to take things one step at a time, get the help I need, get back on my feet and eventually get back to doing what I love," he said.
The case comes amid ongoing concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime in the capital. Metropolitan Police figures show that 3,183 homophobic hate crime offences were recorded across London in the past 12 months.
Thanking those who have supported him since the attack, Olver said he hopes to "slowly find my way back to myself" as he continues his recovery.
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