Generosity helped save festive time after theft

CHRISTMAS was saved for hundreds of children after generous givers re-stocked Santa’s sleigh at a heritage railway in the county.

Heartless thieves stole several hundred Christmas gifts from a carriage at The Great Central Railway’s Quorn station in November last year, which were destined for poorly youngsters at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Rainbows children’s hospice.

Replacement gifts flooded in from all over the country as people heard about the burglary, with a total of 700 donated, twice the numbers of items stolen.

Companies, clubs and individuals sent in gifts, including one from a 14-year-old girl. More than £1,000 was received.

Michael Stokes, marketing manager at the railway, said: “People’s generosity has meant our donation has now gone further than we had ever hoped.

“Toys and games were sent to The Leicester Royal Infirmary and Rainbows Hospice as planned but also to Glenfield Hospital, Steps, Cash 4 Kids, Homestart and Charnwood Toy Appeal.

“While clearly no one would want to experience a break in, what happened afterwards really restores your faith in humani- ty.

“We’d like to thank everyone for helping us spread Christmas joy.”

Donations included three toys from a resident of Kirby Muxloe.

For more information about the Great Central Railway, call 01509 632323.