Appeal raises hundreds for pensioner, 84, who had bike stolen by thug at Boldon Asda
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An 84-year-old man was left ‘devastated’ after a thug rode off on his bike in the car park at Asda, Boldon Colliery - and then heckled him as they fled the scene.
The pensioner, who lives in South Shields, left the shop at around 3pm on Monday, April 27, when a man - dressed in a dark hoodie - cycled past on a pedal bike and sarcastically shouted ‘cheers mate’ to him.
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Hide AdHe then made his way to the bike shed to go 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.”
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Hide AdPolice launched an appeal for information to find the bike and after sharing the story a number of people have contacted JPI Media offering to replace the bike or to help in some way.
Victoria, 38, said: “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.
“Communities are supposed to come together and support each other in times like this.”
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Hide AdAnd now her call has been answered with the fundraiser managing to raise £425 in just three days – surpassing its goal of £350.
Victoria plans on getting a voucher with the money so the man can choose a new bike.
She said: “I am overjoyed to have passed the target.
“Thank you all so much for all of your support.”