People have rallied around a café which remains closed after a car crashed into it.
Momo's on Westfield Street in St Helens sustained major damage on Saturday (May 7), when a driver had a medical episode at the wheel of his car and drove into the building. Half of the exterior window was smashed, and a front door was caved in.
On Sunday (May 8), Momo's owner Claire Rigby said: "I think it was a young lad. He's just come straight into the side of the building. There was a guy walking past, and if it wasn't for him I don't know what would have happened, but he managed to turn the ignition off."
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"All the front's gone, the doorway. The police got St Helens Council's structural engineers out to make sure it was safe and secure and wasn't going to fall in, and then we got the contractors out to make it secure, and we won't be able to enter until Tuesday."
On Tuesday, Claire said she doesn't know when the café will open again. She said the driver, who is a young man, suffered superficial cuts and bruises and is recovering well at home.
Momo's provides a safe haven for people with autism and anxiety disorders. Claire said she has been inundated with support from the community since the accident.
A JustGiving campaign has been launched to support Momo's with its running costs. Organised by Kerri Jones, the campaign has a target of £1,500 and has raised over £500 so far.
The JustGiving page says: "In the early hours of Sunday, 7/05/23, there was an accident which saw a car crash into Momo's on Westfield Street. Thankfully the driver, who suffered a medical episode, is recovering, and the community is rallying around to get Momo's back up and running again as soon as possible.
"In the meantime their staff still need to be paid their wages and all their bills still need to be paid despite the shop being closed and no income coming in. Hopefully we can help take that burden from the owners, who have had a very stressful time of it lately.
"Any help would be greatly appreciated. And hopefully, the driver is feeling much better very soon."
People who have donated to the appeal have also shared messages of support to the café.
Sue Smith said: "Like the phoenix, Momo's will rise from the ashes". Julie Westhead said: "Hope you're up and running soon and hope the young lad is ok".
You can view the JustGiving appeal and donate by clicking here.
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