Police team takes campaign to help shooting victim Thusha Kamaleswaran to new heights

Thusha Kamaleswaran

Thusha, of Tomswood Hill, was just five years old when in March 2011 she was shot while happily playing in her uncle’s shop in Stockwell.

She was left paralysed as a tragic victim of the gang-related shooting.

In response, Met Police officers tackled the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon respectively – and have raised £185,000 towards her round-the-clock care.

Det Chief Insp Jim Redmond, the investigating officer on the case which saw three men jailed for life in April, said: “The image of her dancing happily and then lying lifeless made us want to help.

“Seeing what Thusha and her family have gone though just made us want to do something for her. She was a totally innocent victim.

“She is such a brave little girl.”

Initially the team, of 12 detectives and three staff members, was hoping to raise £5,000 to purchase a specially adapted bicycle for Thusha but they received an overwhelming response from the public, with just under £180,000 now placed in a trust fund for her.

They completed their climbs in just over 28 hours in extreme weather conditions of fog and snow.

Det Sgt Richard Williamson, who watched portions of CCTV evidence over 100 times as the Met constructed its case, said: “Taking part was a chance in a lifetime.

“The generosity that people have shown has completely blown us away.”

The team now hopes to get to £200,000.

Nathaniel Grant, Anthony McCalla and Kazeem Kolawole were found guilty of grievous bodily harm, attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in March.

Donations can be made to the Thusha Appeal Fund held at the HSBC Bank, 5 Wimbledon Hill Road, London, SW19 7NF.

The account number is: 12239108 and the sort code: 40-07-30.

Donations can also be made via Paypal.

Visit www.threepeakschallenge.net/4148/team-thusha for information.