On this thread we have had exactly the kind of post that makes me want to delete Mudcat, and everything about it, from my computer.
Thankfully, his contribution has been swamped by helpful and positive comments.

When I read the OP I felt very saddened and a bit helpless, being on another continent and not particularly well off, but I would happily make a contribution if some kind of fund was set up.

I hope he is left with at least a basic instrument to allow him to continue to bring happiness through his music.

Eddie