A crowdfunding page set up for an 81-year-old rape victim in Balham has raised more than £1,000.

Rachel McClenahan and Elizabeth Burbury, two local residents, were “appalled” by the details of the “horrific” case and wanted to reach out to show the victim kindness and support from the community.

On February 10 at around 8.30pm Anthony Roberts followed the elderly woman when she got off a number 155 bus in Balham High Road. He took her by force to a secluded area and raped her for a total of 96 minutes.

Roberts, 41, pleaded guilty on Friday, March 10 to two counts of rape and one of kidnaping. He denied robbery- he had allegedly stolen a piece of clothing from the woman after the attack.

Speaking to the Wandsworth Guardian, Rachel, 37, said: “We heard about the event on the news and were truly appalled that something so dreadful could happen so close to a populated area and to such a vulnerable victim.

“The police will pass the funds raised to the lady involved. In our view it is there for her to use on whatever she needs.

“Our thought was not about the total amount of money raised, it was about the gesture of a community standing together and a timely reminder that people can be kind and considerate to other people, even in somewhere the size of London.”

Rachel said it’s important to show community at a time like this as despite the Met’s “excellent” work in apprehending the perpetrator so quickly, people are “very aware of walking home alone”.

In a direct message to the rape victim, Rachel, said: “We are so sorry that this has happened to you. We hope you are recovering well and that the money raised can be used to make the next few months easier for you and this helps you know that there is kindness, even in a big city like London and a sense of community who are there to support you if you need it.”

Rachel and Liz got permission from the victim to set up the page which at the time of writing had raised £1,060.