‘People have been so kind’
THE mother of a disabled lad whose trike was stolen and trashed has said a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the generous people who have come forward with gifts of money and offers of help to replace it.
Sharron Quinn was devastated when the specially adapted trike, which her 13-year-old son Harry Gibb adored, was taken from Manor Green College and wrecked before being dumped in Langley Green.
Harry, who has spinocerebellar syndrome and autism, is unable to walk unaided and relied on the trike to get around independently.
The lad, who is known to friends and family as Mr Smiler, has limited speech but has repeatedly asked his mum for his bike.
After the Observer reported the theft, kind-hearted readers came forward to offer what help they could, leaving tearful Sharron counting her blessings and praising the people of Crawley.
Sharron, of Broadfield, said: “I can’t believe how kind people have been. I will never run Crawley down again – the people here are wonderful.
“There really are some great people in the community.
“When you hear of children wanting to bakes cakes to raise money and even offering their pocket money you can’t help but be moved.”
Sharron’s partner Kevin Bolter said he was heartbroken when he heard Harry’s bike had been taken and that he and Sharron were very grateful for all the help they had been offered.
One man, who asked to remain anonymous, has offered the family £50 towards the bike, while a pensioner handed over a letter for Harry and a donation of £10. Another woman donated £20 saying that Harry’s story had moved her to tears and that the people responsible for the theft should be ashamed.
As well as donations via the Observer, friends and wellwishers have organised a Crawley to Brighton bike ride for March 10, a Worthing to Crawley scooter run and there is even talk of local legend Mike Dobie performing at a fundraising gig.
Kevin added: “We hope to raise enough money for the bike and to buy a proper concrete shed for the school to stop this happening again.”
Sharron said: “We don’t blame the school for what happened and we don’t want them to pay out to replace the trike because that would be taking money away from other activities.”
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Weather for Crawley
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
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Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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saramac
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 07:55 PMIt fantastic that so many people have responded so positively about this story. Crawley Happy Times needs a big mention as they ran a very successful facebook campaign that got many residents out looking for the bike as well as many fundraising plans.
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