Fundraiser to replace OAP’s stolen pedal bike
A fundraiser has been set up for a pensioner who had his pedal bike stolen in broad daylight.
An84-year-old-man-was-left ‘devastated’ after a thug rode off on his bike in the car park at Asda, Boldon Colliery, and then heck led him as he fled the scene.
The pensioner, who lives in South Shields, left the shop at around 3pm on Monday, April 27, when a male – dressed in a dark hoodie – cycled past and sarcastically shouted ‘Cheers mate’ to him.
Confused, he made his way to the bike shed togo home, before realising his bike had been stolen.
He said: “I was devastated when I realised my bike was gone. It was my pride and joy, I used it almost every day for journeys that I couldn’t manage on foot.
“I had no choice but to walk home with heavy bags of shopping after it had been stolen.
“The bike had all my personalised bits and pieces on such as the rear view mirror and water bottle carrier.
“I really hope anyone who knows where it is or who took it can forward as I would love to get it back, it was my only mode of transport.”
Now, after reading his story, a kind hearted care worker has launched a Go Fund Me page in a bid to raise the money to replace his bike.
Victoria Fenwick ,38, was so moved by the story she says she had to try and help.
“It really affected me, I work in care and have elderly grandparents around the same age, to think that someone would do that to him – targeting his only means of transport,” said the mum-of-four.
“Communities are supposed to come together and support each other in times like this.”
Victoria, who works as a care coordinator for Bluebird Care in Boldon, has already raised more than £50 of her £350 target, in just a few hours.
“It’s admirable that he was out and about at his age,” she continued.
“Times are hard and pensioners don’t have the money to replace things like that.
“I’d like to think we could raise enough to get him a voucher so him or his relatives could go and choose a new bike.”
PC Alan Morton, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an appalling example of an opportunist thief showing a total disregard for the law and the welfare of a vulnerable member of the public. We are determined to locate the bike and return it to the owner.”