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The partner of a dog walker killed in a stabbing in west London has spoken of her heartbreak over the death of a man she said had dedicated his life to his community.
Wayne Broadhurst, 49, died at the scene in the Uxbridge area on Monday. His partner, Ann Newman, paid tribute to him on Thursday as donations to help pay for his funeral flooded in.
“We are heartbroken to announce the tragic loss of our beloved Wayne Broadhurst, a hardworking man who dedicated his life to serving his community through his work in waste collection,” she said, adding that his life had been “tragically cut short during a completely unprovoked knife attack”.
Since the fundraiser was launched on Wednesday, more than £36,000 has been raised, which Newman said would go towards funeral costs, support for his relatives and “helping to honour his life in the way he deserves”.
She said: “No one ever expects to face something like this. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support as we come together to remember Wayne and celebrate the love he gave to so many.”
Broadhurst worked for Greener Ealing, which operates environmental services for the borough’s council. On Wednesday its managing director, Katarina Pohancenikova, said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Wayne’s family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. This is a devastating loss. Wayne was a well-respected and dedicated member of our team who made a real contribution to the work we do and to the residents we serve.”
On Thursday morning a man appeared in court charged with murdering Broadhurst. Safi Dawood is also accused of attempting to murder his landlord, 45-year-old Shahzad Farrukh, and a 14-year-old boy.
The 22-year-old, who lived with Farrukh as his lodger, has also been charged with one count of possessing an offensive weapon, Westminster magistrates court heard.
The Home Office has confirmed Dawood is originally from Afghanistan and entered the UK in a lorry in 2020 before claiming asylum, which was granted in 2022.
Dawood appeared in the dock wearing a grey T-shirt and grey trousers. He sat hunched over during the brief hearing and did not confirm his name when asked.
Farrukh is in hospital with life-changing injuries and the teenager has been discharged, the prosecutor told the court.
