Faith in humanity has been restored after two generous men from East Lancashire have offered to replace a disabled pensioner’s stolen wheelchair.

Grace Smith of Colne had her wheelchair stolen from boundary Mill Outlet last Monday (August 8) when she was in the fitting rooms.

The heartbroken 82-year-old cried herself to sleep that night because she “couldn’t cope” with the cruel fact that someone had “taken her lifeline from her and doesn’t care.”

However, the news travelled online quickly and founder of Bank of Dave, Dave Fishwick and Clitheroe businessman Oliver Alcock saw Mrs Smith’s saddening story.

Lancashire Telegraph: Oliver Alcock and Jenna Healey, Managing Director’s of Bowland IT and Bowland TelecomsOliver Alcock and Jenna Healey, Managing Director’s of Bowland IT and Bowland Telecoms

Oliver Alcock who runs Bowland IT and Bowland Telecoms in partnership with Affordable Mobility, in Clitheroe has spoken to Mrs Smith about the nasty crime and is offering to make things right. He said:

“I have discussed this with Mrs Smith, she is such a lovely lady. She broke down in tears when I discussed it with her.

“There are a lot of nasty heartless people in this world, but hopefully our gesture will promote those who can help others to do so more often.

“We are never going to see the back of thefts and cruel actions in our lifetime, but what we can pray on is more and more people will help others.”

Oliver has been in contact with Mrs Smith and is currently looking at the best options for her.

The random act of kindness doesn’t stop there. Further south of East Lancashire, Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick tweeted in response to the tragedy Mrs Smith fell victim to.

 

 

Dave said: “I was reading the article in the Telegraph this morning, all about Grace, a local pensioner, who had her wheelchair stolen, and I were touched by the story; I thought, how could somebody be so terrible as to steal a wheelchair from an elderly disabled lady, who needs the wheelchair for every part of her daily life.

“I really enjoy living in the local Lancashire community, and I wanted to do something to help. The Bank of Dave is run by the community to benefit the community, so we have stepped in and offered to buy Grace a brand new wheelchair.

Lancashire Telegraph: David Fishwick, founder of Bank of DaveDavid Fishwick, founder of Bank of Dave

“Let’s get Amazing Grace back in a new set of wheels as fast as possible, and she can continue to enjoy all the lovely sunshine we have this summer.

“Lots of love to Grace from all the team at the Bank of Dave!  X”

Mrs Smith was made aware of the two generous offers and was overwhelmed by the kindness.

Whilst her grey upholstered wheelchair has not yet been returned; a replacement is needed in the meantime as the quick and cheap replacement she purchased over the weekend is not safe.

“I’ve been using one from a shop and I almost fell out of this three times this weekend. It isn’t safe for me, it needs returning. My legs and rest of my body doesn’t fit in it properly – it’s dangerous.”

Responding to the lovely gestures from both Oliver and Dave, Grace said: “It’s really lovely what they’re doing. I’m very thankful for them. It’s not nice that somebody would take my wheelchair, it’s wicked, but they’re (Oliver and Dave) are very kind.”