Tharel Thompson turned 30 on March 29 and celebrated by giving thanks for life and being able to have dinner with his mum Yvonne Thompson and some close friends.
His first trip to England since age five went horribly wrong after he was stabbed in the head in an unprovoked attack at the Walkabout Bar in Wiston Terrace, Reading, on February 11, 2024.
The man responsible, former soldier Krisma Anthony, 23, was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to 27 years in jail for attempted murder, following a trial at Reading Crown Court. He also confessed to having a knife blade/sharp pointed object in a public place. His friend Jahlil Charles, who was 23 and at the bar when the incident took place, was acquitted of both charges.
Yvonne attended the trial every day, but ran out of the courtroom whenever CCTV footage was shown of the attack. She was relieved by the outcome.
“My heart was racing while I was waiting for the verdict. Nothing at all can be enough justice for him, but there was some justice,” she said.
Tharel stated: “When I heard the guilty verdict I felt pleased, because I understood what happened to me.”
Yvonne, who visited England several times before and considered it a second home, never thought that more than a year later they would still be there, faced with a huge medical bill and her son being limited in his activities.
Tharel – who still does not remember getting attacked – cannot use his left hand.
“He can do certain things – he can shower, dress himself and walk on his own. Other things he needs assistance with,” his mother explained.
He still wears a helmet and has to do so until he undergoes another surgery, for a titanium plate to be fitted as replacement for the portion of his skull which was removed; as protection for his brain and for cosmetic reasons. The plate also has to settle in his head before he travels, and the Thompsons are hoping to return to Barbados as soon as possible after that.
Their daily routine starts with devotions and then breakfast. Once Tharel wakes, he eats and then exercises by stretching or walking, as prescribed by his physiotherapist. If he doesn’t have an appointment at Northwick Park Hospital, he spends time journaling, listening to music, writing positive affirmations and life experiences, and reading or using electronic devices. Sometimes, he puts music to his thoughts.
The lighting technician with IGM Stage Lighting reaches out to his work colleagues when he feels the need.
“I can call anyone from that workplace and have positive conversations with them,” he said.
Yvonne, a marketing assistant at the Bridgetown Port, says her son is usually in good spirits and is looking forward to his future.
Although focusing on his recovery right now, Tharel plans that “once I am able, I will try to get back my job”, even though he is aware he will be unable to do the heavy lifting he once did.
The prognosis from doctors is that eventually the Alleyne School alumnus will be able to do certain activities, but not at his former capacity.
Along with a lengthy recovery process are other challenges.
“Tharel never had motion sickness nor seizures before but suffers from them now . . . and financially, all I can say is that it is challenging,” said his mother.
Besides the cost of daily living, there is a medical bill of £161 000 still outstanding, and uncertainty as to how much more the upcoming surgery will add. With monies from GoFundMe and donations already swallowed up paying for Tharel’s rehabilitation, Yvonne has no idea how or when that current bill will be paid but they remain grateful for all the help received.
“I am thankful to everybody who donated money because I went in [to therapy] in a wheelchair and left with an elbow crutch,” Tharel said. He stressed that without his mother, family and friends “I don’t know how I would have gotten through this ordeal”.
Yvonne added: “He has come a long way since being in a coma.”
She too, thanked Barbadians at home, in England and beyond who contributed in any way to her son’s recovery, including donations that can still be made to CIBC Bank at Wildey, chequeing account No. 1001198872. (SD)
