Supporters of woman involved in Ched Evans rape case start £50k GoFundMe appeal
SUPPORTERS of the woman in the Ched Evans rape case are collecting £50,000 to help her start a new life.
Ched Evans outside court after being cleared of rape charges
The 24-year-old former waitress has changed her identity five times after receiving multiple death threats.
She is planning to emigrate after former Manchester City and Wales footballer Evans, 27, was cleared at his retrial.
Ched Evans found not guilty in rape retrial
Now a team of fundraisers want to raise £50,000 for the woman - with half the money going to her and half going to a rape charity.
I have maintained my innocence from day one, so I can never apologise directly for what happened
Chesterfield striker Evans admitted the trial “has not been easy” on the woman and said he “disassociates himself” with anyone naming or abusing her on social media.
He was cleared after a five-year fight to clear his name.
The fund has already raised £2,000 within a few hours for the woman.
Ched and girlfriend Natasha Massey leaving court last week
The footballers statement being read out to the media
Evans was originally convicted of rape in 2012 and spent two and a half years in jail before the court of appeal agreed to a retrial due to new information.
He said later: “I have maintained my innocence from day one, so I can never apologise directly for what happened."