Help Needed..

[TheChai]

I am writing on behalf of Antonio Claret, a good friend of mine and a excellent trials rider too. As some of us might know, his parents have recently been deported back brazil due to having invalid and expired Visas. being the eldest of the children, antonio has had to send money over to his family, who are jobless (a reason why they came to london in the first place)

and now here is the problem. Antonio had a very bad accident last weekend in london, and as a result had to go to hospital where he had an x ray done. Apparentley hes managed to chip a bit of bone and badly sprain his foot, which means that he too would not be able to work for 2 weeks. The job he had required him to carry contruction waste out of a building site basically it would be impossible to contiune it any time sooon.

My plea to u would be to donate any amount possible so that he can send back the 250 pounds to his family for this month. he hasnt been eating the past week becasue hes been worried sick about it.. i am doing as much as i can for him, trying to get him a job, finding him a cheaper place to stay etc... but i am still in need of help.. any money would be very mcuh appreciated..

his 23rd birthday is coming up on the 7th.. he doenst know about this plea as such, and doenst know how well it would go ( i have my fingers crossed as well) but i hope to beable to give me a good birthday..

Any help at all..

thank you very much..

Andrew Chai. x

[ZHI_Chris]

Yes, Antonio Claret is a good man and a good rider.

I went to london for ride last Sunday, this is my frist time riding in london.

And i met Antonio, he is so friendly.

I hope he will get better soon.

[Fixed Pants™]

Poor kid

I would but i have f**k all money... But that suxx, hmm, how the hell is that gonna work out? Can he not get sick pay?

Hope he gets better soon.

[Sponge]

Read the topic below: (READ tank rider's and Danny's comments)

http://www.trials-forum.co.uk/forum/index....p;#entry1223317

For goodness sake, who cares at all about forum rules and all that junk. I think Chai was asking something very reasonable, and myself and plenty of others who actually have a heart and brain thought that Chai was doing the right thing. Asking for money in this one-off circumstance was not unreasonable, yet a moderator and admin just shuns him away and closes the topic? I mean sure, if it were some dodgy pre-member making that kinda of a post, then i guess people do have reason to suspect something... but it's Chai, and he's hardly rowdy or sweary, plus he's quite well known and has a good reputation? The topic is about a guy in his early 20's in a *seriously* tricky situation, and I have no doubt in my mind that Chai is telling the absolute truth of the situation there. Who cares about 'immigration laws' in this case... it's a friend in need and Chai's trying to get some financial support for him (due to the injury he sustained last London ride).

The point is, take moral values into account. It is a shame that the 'politicians of TF' (i.e. some moderators and some admin) have to react in a way that is in favour of abiding strictly to TF rules and the laws laid down by our dodgy real-life politicians. Danny and tank rider, put YOURSELVES in Chai's shoes... what if Antonio Claret was YOUR good friend? Seriously if you think that this is all just a hoax and Chai's trying to scrape some money off people, then you are tools. (no, seriously, genuine twats)

Sometimes I wonder if human beings even sit behind those usernames.

Ah well... TF for you. Infact, Trials-Forum could infact be the internet-forum-equivalent of the Nazi third reich. OTN and every other bike forum allow people to use retailer's websites in their signatures, so why not TF? Stupid rule...

Again, knowing how important TF-Rules are for mods and admins, they will close this topic fairly soon. Well, for the rest of you down-to-earth guys out there, just think about Antonio's and Chai's situation. Afterall, 'every little helps' (first and last time I shall ever quote Tesco) so even a small £1 donation from 250 members would cover Antonio's very unfortunate and unintended situation. Andy, how much more would you need? I may be able to send out some of my last remnants of my monthly allowance.

EDIT: I had to let off some steam, . Although Antonio's parents may have done some dodgy dealings to get into this country... asking for small donations to help a friend surely is not too unreasonable, is it not?

Edited April 7, 2007 by Sponge

[Fixed Pants™]

I can, in Antonios defence, confirm that he did actually f**k up really bad in London, it was at the tate loading bay, trying a rolling gap, he overshot it and let go of the bike in the air, put his foot out to stop himself from dying via hitting the wall. We had to call an ambulance and they took him away on a strecher and for a 22 year old man to cry it must have hurt a fair bit.

[JT!]

Read the topic below: (READ tank rider's and Danny's comments)

http://www.trials-forum.co.uk/forum/index....p;#entry1223317

For goodness .....

Sponge, your familey's wealthy, £250 would be no great loss to them.

Also, if he's unable to work, shouldn't he be be getting 'sick pay'?

Edited April 7, 2007 by JT!

[Dr. Nick Riviera]

Also, if he's unable to work, shouldn't he be be getting 'sick pay'?

not being harsh, but judging by the situation, i'd assume it's cash in hand?

[Sponge]

Thanks Glen,

I actually spoke to Andy last night about this, and neither of us were too pleased with Danny or tank rider's comments. One gets the impression that Danny's and tankrider's comments were in short sending out this message: "meh, tough shit" (but with added politeness to make it sound less harsh than it actually is).

Yeah, even if Antonio's parents did mess up themselves, the guy himself is working in this country and sending money over to Brazil to support his family. Put yourself in his shoes. With such an injury he sustained, and the fact that he is a foreigner doing hard physical labour, life is extremely uneasy. Put aside your thoughts against his parents and their dodgy immigration issues, and think about what Antonio himself is doing, he's doing something really good for his family (something which most of us have never truly done, Yes, admit it guys, I can)

I think it was Antonio's birthday on the 7th yesterday, and the guy at least deserves some peace of mind at such a time. I personally know of 2 friends of mine who have already made very generous donations, so I guess taping a £1 coin inside an envelope wrapped in thick bubblewrap to send to Chai from some of us would help greatly.

peace.

Sponge, your familey's wealthy, £250 would be no great loss to them.

Also, if he's unable to work, shouldn't he be be getting 'sick pay'?

Well, Chai said he doesn't want such high numbers from one individual (yeah, one friend of mine has already offered triple figures in donation to Antonio, but Chai declined as it was too high for one person). But, if the situation gets worse in a big way, I can speak to my parents about it and they make donations to church every sunday, so this should be fine with them.

But sadly, i somehow doubt he gets sick pay. Although I'm not too knowledgeful in this field at all, but isn't it only high-end jobs that get 'sick-pay'? I mean, I don't think I'd get sick pay if I worked for an icecream van guy, would I?

[JT!]

The comments by Danny and tankrider were very well justified. I'm not gonna go into why, but i'm sure the majority of the forum feel the same way.

We all know, roles reversed, Sponge of Chai wouldn't send a penny.

Edited April 7, 2007 by JT!

[Fixed Pants™]

I may just do the one or two pound jobbie, how much would postage be, i've got 2.50 in my pocket which i'm sure could add up if a few other people did it.

2 pound in the envelope and 50 odd p for postage.

Please people, it's for a good cause, if you met him you'd be a lot more inclided to do it, he's a really nice bloke, deserves a bit of help!

[JT!]

Well, Chai said he doesn't want such high numbers from one individual (yeah, one friend of mine has already offered triple figures in donation to Antonio, but Chai declined as it was too high for one person). But, if the situation gets worse in a big way, I can speak to my parents about it and they make donations to church every sunday, so this should be fine with them.

But sadly, i somehow doubt he gets sick pay. Although I'm not too knowledgeful in this field at all, but isn't it only high-end jobs that get 'sick-pay'? I mean, I don't think I'd get sick pay if I worked for an icecream van guy, would I?

So you declined money from a friend, than asked a forum full of strangers to give him money.

And yes, you do get sick pay if your are unable to work, you also get 4 weeks holiday pay. And yes, if your an icecream van driver u do get sick pay, i know because i've done some work in the office and Trillo's icecream facotry.

Have you even thought of getting in touch with his employer?

Edited April 7, 2007 by JT!

[Sponge]

The comments by Danny and tankrider were very well justified. I'm not gonna go into why, but i'm sure the majority of the forum feel the same way.

Whatever. Meh..

But, if YOUR good friend fell into a similar situation, I'm sure you'd resort to what Chai did? Remember, it was Antonio's dad who had something dodgy in his immigration thing, and Antonio's just trying to offer his family financial aid back in Brazil by working in UK.

On the subject of Antonio, from what I've been told many times, he's quite a high-profile rider and a very nice guy. It is a shame that he is in such a sticky situation

[Hendrix]

I can see exactly where you're coming from...

and I would help out - 'sept I'm short of money myself. And I have to get here and there with what little I have

[boon racoon]

argh GOD i tried to write a reply and got stuck between my views as a citizen and my empathy of a community of riders.

[JT!]

But, if YOUR good friend fell into a similar situation, I'm sure you'd resort to what Chai did?

If it was my good friend i would have already written a cheque, with the expectation to get paid back over a year or so.

Or you could go out and earn the money? Easter hols, shops usually need a helping hand over the busy period.

Again, get in touch with this employer.

Edited April 7, 2007 by JT!

[Sponge]

We all know, roles reversed, Sponge of Chai wouldn't send a penny.

Come again? . If you didn't think i'd send a penny, I actually asked Chai if he wanted to meet me in London earlier this saturday to collect some donation money.

So you declined money from a friend, than asked a forum full of strangers to give him money.

And yes, you do get sick pay if your are unable to work, you also get 4 weeks holiday pay. And yes, if your an icecream van driver u do get sick pay, i know because i've done some work in the office and Trillo's icecream facotry.

Have you even thought of getting in touch with his employer?

?? You? What? I'm not Chai... Even so, you are misunderstanding, JT. He asked the forum, and friend X (he shall remain unnamed unless he says otherwise) offered triple figures, amongst a few other people offering little bits and bobs. Friend X is infact not exactly Bill Gates, and like some of us Chai was unable to accept that much from one person because it was a huge sacrifice on behalf of Friend X.

And to be honest, I think terror error may be right, and that it is just cash-in-hand payment for Antonio and his job. Think about it, Antonio is not a UK citizen, and probably doesn't have UK qualifications for a proper job, so probably has to work somewhere else just so he can support himself and his family. (Compare it to a 14 year old mowing neighbours' lawns for example, incase you are still confused... No sick pay for that)

If it was my good friend i would have already written a cheque, with the expectation to get paid back over a year or so.

Or you could go out and earn the money? Easter hols, shops usually need a helping hand over the busy period.

Again, get in touch with this employer.

You should consult Chai himself about that matter, and I'm sure there's a good reason behind this. £250 isn't easy to make in 4 or so days for most 16-17 year olds. I think Chai's got a job, and is trying to find himself and Antonio new ones, as well as paying for Antonio's rent as well.

[JT!]

Come again? . If you didn't think i'd send a penny, I actually asked Chai if he wanted to meet me in London earlier this saturday to collect some donation money.

?? You? What? I'm not Chai... Even so, you are misunderstanding, JT. He asked the forum, and friend X (he shall remain unnamed unless he says otherwise) offered triple figures, amongst a few other people offering little bits and bobs. Friend X is infact not exactly Bill Gates, and like some of us Chai was unable to accept that much from one person because it was a huge sacrifice on behalf of Friend X.

And to be honest, I think terror error may be right, and that it is just cash-in-hand payment for Antonio and his job. Think about it, Antonio is not a UK citizen, and probably doesn't have UK qualifications for a proper job, so probably has to work somewhere else just so he can support himself and his family. (Compare it to a 14 year old mowing neighbours' lawns for example, incase you are still confused... No sick pay for that)

If i posted up here for the same reason, i wouldn't see a penny from you. I know i wouldn't.

If he was unable to accept the money, then it makes me question how desperatly he needs it.

My part time job at costcutters gives me holiday and sick pay. You don't need a high end job to get it.

Edited April 7, 2007 by JT!

[Akira_Shock!]

Haha, no surprise JT is arguing all the time even on the topic of such a guy in need.

JT, chill out. Please. Yeah OK? Playing the bad bloke card is just plain gay, to be blunt and fair.

I honestly think that there's a lot more to this matter than it appears, and if Chai could easily make £250, I doubt he'd have to resort to asking for donations. When a guy resorts to such measures, it's normally serious.

Edited April 7, 2007 by unstablebutable

[boon racoon]

Think about it, Antonio is not a UK citizen, and probably doesn't have UK qualifications for a proper job, so probably has to work somewhere else just so he can support himself and his family.

Sorry but, that's nothing to do with trials forum whatsoever

Trials rider or not..if someone asked me for money for that reason on the street, i'd say no. Just cos its an internet forum it makes no difference.

[JT!]

Haha, no surprise JT is arguing all the time even on the topic of such a guy in need.

JT, chill out. Please. Yeah OK? Playing the bad bloke card is just plain gay, to be blunt and fair.

I know i'm comming off as an arse, but it's what everyone's thinking. I'm just putting it down in words.

Take the money from the guy who's offering it. And then find a way to pay him back. Then the pressure is off.

[Tomm]

Whether or not you agree with the situation he (or his parents) have got into, I totally agree with Danny and Tank when they said this isn't the place to beg. Maybe it's appropriate to ask friends or people that he rode with, that's fine. But you don't use this place to beg, which is what the original thread was closed for. People don't come on TF to see this sort of thing, it's just inappropriate.

By making another thread you've made it very difficult for Tom/Danny, you should have accepted the decision of the Admin, not tried to undermine it.

P.S. You don't need a high-end job to get sick pay, you're right. I think you're only entitled to it after you've been on the books for 2 years. If your job offers sick pay before then, that's up to them I think.

[Akira_Shock!]

Nah, its bound to be more complcated than that. Chai probs wants to see if any more donations can come in from other people before using that 'friend X' as a last resort.

I am guessing that 'friend X' will be the last resort if all else fails, and chai'll find a way to pay him back later.

And no, your words do not respresent everyones feelings JT, just some.

[Tomm]

]

And no, your words do not respresent everyones feelings JT, just some.

Probably everyone that's never met the guy...

[Sponge]

If i posted up here for the same reason, i wouldn't see a penny from you. I know i wouldn't.

Bitter

By saying things like that, I wouldn't send money to you. If you were genuinely in need, taping my leftover 50 pences in an envelope would be done happily.

----

But, to Tomm, I know that even though Chai made 2 topics, I re-bumped this slightly, and it may give Danny and tomturd a bit of hassle (so, apologies for that), but after speaking to Chai about it last night, he wasn't happy at all about the responses but fair enough, because he's probably quite emotional about this whole complicated ordeal with Antonio.

[Nuke Bowel]

I totally agree with danny, JT and tank on this.

Like jt has said, he should be getting sick pay without a doubt.

If I seriously needed the money I would accept and pay back when i could, where's the harm in that?

It's not fair to come on here asking for money.

Sorry to sound blunt, but he's not the only one in need...

And there are many people in worse situations.

It's seriously not hard to find a job these days if you said your trying to find him one?.... try the local supermarket, just keep calling them to show your intrested and they will no doubt find him somthing.