Fundraiser set up for 90-year-old man after heartless thief stole wallet containing £2,000 from his hands

The cruel theft took place at 7.30am on Monday, August 17, as the elderly man waited to meet his daughter outside of the Virgin Money bank on Fawcett Street in the city centre.

A man, believed to be in his 20s, is said to have targeted the vulnerable pensioner, taking the wallet from his hands before riding away on a bike.

The elderly man, who has asked not to be named, was left severely shaken after the incident but was thankfully not injured.

Now, a kind-hearted stranger has set up a Just Giving page in the hope that the city will rally together to give back to the elderly victim.

In the first 24 hours, more than £300 has been donated towards the £2,000 target and organiser Daniella Hanson is over the moon.

The 34-year-old mum, who runs a self catering business Sunderland Food Prep, said: “He’s 90-years-old and he’s clearly still very independent heading about town doing his jobs.

"I was very close to my nana and grandad and I would hate to think someone could do that to my family.

"I just think it’s the right thing to do really. We see all sorts of things people put on Just Giving and I think giving back to a man who has been targeted in our city is a worth cause.”

Daniella contacted the elderly victim’s daughter Audrey Brand, 58, to get her consent to set up a page and says she has been overwhelmed with the response.

Speaking to the Echo, Audrey said: “He has got a right shock by what happened.

"He does well being 90-years-old but he is really shaken and we don’t want him to lose his independence because of this.

"I want people to be aware, so that they can be on their guard.

“We are all so upset by it.”

A police investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information should report it through 101 or online, quoting log 168 170820.

Donate www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/daniella-hanson-1

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