Tools stolen from Horsham area gardener who was helping disabled solo mum

A fundraiser has been set up to help a gardener who had his tools stolen while helping a disabled solo mum.
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Southwater resident Azra Harte, 41, said she wanted to help raise money for Darren Windeatt-Freeman after he had his gardening tools taken while he was picking up chicken feed for Azra.

She added: “I’m a solo mum and I have got disabilities. I’m self-isolating, I have to be careful.”

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Azra said Darren, 48, had come to do some gardening jobs and offered to help her out by purchasing some chicken feed from Mole Valley Garden Centre.

Azra Harte and her son, SullyAzra Harte and her son, Sully
Azra Harte and her son, Sully

But Storrignton resident Darren said while he was in the store on Monday two chainsaws, two hedge cutters and a strimmer were taken from his vehicle – worth between £1,500 and £2,000.

He added: “I was numb. It’s a lot of money when you’re self-employed.

“At the end of the day you’re just trying to feed your family and earn a living.”

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A Sussex Police spokesman confirmed they received a report of electrical tools being taken at about 1.20pm on Monday April 27, from a vehicle parked in the car park of Mole Country Stores at Frenches Corner, Billingshurst.

Darren Windeatt-FreemanDarren Windeatt-Freeman
Darren Windeatt-Freeman

He added: “Police have engaged with the informant and advised there are no further lines of enquiry at this time.

“However, anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 641 of 27/04.”

Azra said she wanted to set up the fundraiser to help Darren because she felt bad he was helping her when the theft happened.

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She added: “They basically stole all his livelihood while he was trying to help a disabled person.

“I just think it’s disgraceful. It’s just really, really sad.”

Darren, of Freeman Landscapes, said the fundraiser, which has so far raised more than £100, was a bit of a shock.

To donate to the fundraiser please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/azra-harte

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