Iranian barista in Twickenham praised for being community 'angel'

"You just realise that this man, he's just like a little angel, like God's angel really. He's so kind," says Mandy Scott Johnson. It's high praise for anyone, but perhaps not what you'd expect for a coffee seller in a park. Customers of Thirst for All, a coffee stand in Crane Park in Twickenham, west London, say its owner - Diaco Yari - is a shining light in their local community. Diaco, who came to the UK from Iran nine years ago, feels the same about his customers, and was bowled over when they Crowdfunded to support him after he was assaulted and robbed for his takings a few weeks ago. To make the attack worse, it took place on Diaco's birthday in February, and left him with a broken tooth. His customers, including one who credits Diaco for actually saving his life, were horrified at what had happened, and raised £3,000 to replace his takings and help him set up security systems. Mandy sits beside the cafe caravan with a coffee and is accompanied by her curly grey-haired canine friend, Walter. They (well, mainly Mandy) set up the Crowdfunder to help Diaco. "He can now see his value and his worth and I think that's so important to a human being," she said. "I just wish him so wel