Perth is in shock as an 84-year-old grandfather was bashed outside his own home in the city's south west.
Emiliano Lombardi's story and images of him bruised and bloodied on his bed shocked Perth, but his children were just as shocked by the outpouring of community support.
“We've all got a dad… it hit home because it could be anyone,” son Don Lombardi said.
Strangers have volunteered to look after Emiliano's dogs as well as sending dozens of get well cards to him while he's recovering in hospital.
Tradies are repainting and replastering his home for free while other local businesses are supporting him by providing new furniture and bedding.
“Suddenly we get this flood of emotion and support from everybody that wanted to tell us the world is good, wanted to tell us that Perth is good and it is,” Don Lombardi said.
“There's good in this community, just a few little percentage that have lost their way, but the majority of people are always there for you and do the right thing, it's good to see,” his son Carlo Lombardi said.
However, it is unknown whether he will feel safe living home alone.
“I don't want him to be fearful, he's got a nice community and we are fearful he's going to lose that,” his daughter Laura Hussein said.
Quade Karsum Jones, 28, has been charged over the alleged random and unprovoked violent attack.
Not wanting to be a bother, the stoic grandfather went to bed after the alleged assault and tried to sleep it off.
If it wasn't for persistent police officers who repeatedly knocked on his door, he may never have woken up.
“If it wasn't for those two and being persistent that my father was safe, he wouldn't be here today,” Don Lombardi said.
Emiliano Lombardi spent a week in an induced coma and recently underwent facial surgery.
His children want to share a simple message to the community: “Thank you Perth.”
Photo credits: 9News
This article originally appeared on Over60.