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The Newlyn man charged with his parents' murder in Greece has thanked the "fantastic" fundraisers who are supporting the fight to clear his name. Over the weekend more than £ 4,000 was raised by friends and family of Ryan Johnson, who has protested his innocence since he was charged with the murder of parents Jo and Terry Johnson in March.
Following a sponsored walk and auction on Saturday enough money has now been raised to ensure Ryan can continue his battle for a further two months.
Speaking yesterday from Crete, where Ryan remains on police bail, he thanked all those who took part in the events at the weekend.
He said: "What people are doing back home is absolutely fantastic. All my friends and family have been great and I am very grateful."
Around 3,000 was raised by 31 sponsored walkers who set off from the Trewellard Arms, near Pendeen, many wearing T-shirts bearing the simple message, "For Jo and Terry".
Among the fundraisers who made the two hour walk to Newlyn, was John Bailey, Ryan's uncle, who said that the support from local people had been brilliant.
The walk was followed by an auction at the Dolphin Inn where 733 was raised for the appeal, in addition to a further 300 collected in buckets on the night.
Stuart Ladner, one of the organisers of the auction, said: "It was an amazing night and there was so much support from businesses and people.
"I also have to thank auctioneer for the night Robin Turner who did a fantastic job and really got people going."
Among the 70 lots were vouchers for meals at local restaurants, a CD player from Mill Auto Supplies and original paintings by local artists.
News of the weekend's events have come as heartening news to Ryan who told The Cornishman this week that he is now in "limbo" as the Greek courts will close from June 15 until September.
He said: "Nothing is happening at all with the case and things are taking a very long time."
With rent, living costs, legal fees and the cost of retaining his late parents' property, Ryan is spending more than 2,000 a month, so he says the money raised at the weekend will be a huge help.
At the moment he has not been able to get a job, but in the next few weeks he hopes to be in a position to re-open the gift shop his parents were due to run.
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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