BBC story update & closing donations

A further update about Vini Reilly by his nephew Matt Reilly:

*** The BBC story ***

"I've been in touch with the BBC's Ian Youngs who did the interview with Vini last week. Ian has kindly provided an audio recording from a specific part of the interview that is quoted in his article on the BBC News website.

He has also updated his story to reflect the fact that Vini was aware of what was going on from the start, but didn't feel at ease with the situation – the revised story can be read on the BBC website.

I can confirm, having listened to the audio recording, that the quotes that were used are a fair and accurate reflection of what Vini said. I've just spoken to Vini and explained that clip he does mention the word 'humiliated' in the audio.

Vini has said the word he was looking for was 'humbled', not 'humiliated', but accepts that was what he said. And Vini said that all he was trying to say about the donations themselves was that he didn't understand computers or how the money was coming in.

*** Donations ***

Now that all of the money has been paid across to Vini, he has been able to clear his debts. He now says it's time for donations to stop, as he only ever wanted to clear his debts and can now hopefully manage on the disability allowance that he's given.

So please note, just to be clear, no further donations are necessary.

Vini has offered huge thanks to everyone involved in supporting him, and I'd like to add my thanks as well.

This has been a HUMBLING and amazing week for all concerned and Vini will always be grateful to those who stepped in to help him.

Much love

Matt Reilly"