Appeal raises hundreds for pensioner, 84, who had bike stolen by thug at Boldon Asda

A fundraising appeal set up to replace a pensioner’s bike after it was stolen at Asda in Boldon has raised hundreds of pounds.
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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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He then made his way to the bike shed to go home, before realising his bike had been stolen.

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.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.
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.

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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Police 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.

The incident took place at Asda, Boldon.The incident took place at Asda, Boldon.
The incident took place at Asda, Boldon.

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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And now her call has been answered with the fundraiser managing to raise £425 in just three days – surpassing its goal of £350.

Victoria Fenwick set up the fundraiser to replace the pensioner's bike.Victoria Fenwick set up the fundraiser to replace the pensioner's bike.
Victoria Fenwick set up the fundraiser to replace the pensioner's bike.

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.”

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