Heartless thieves stole nine mountain bikes from Doncaster special school

Parents are rallying round after heartless thieves stole nine mountain bikes from a Doncaster special school.
By Stephanie Bateman
Published 7th Mar 2021, 11:41 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2021, 09:17 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Thieves broke into a garage at Stone Hill School in Scawsby on Sunday, February 28, and took the bikes, and now a fundraising drive has been set up via the website Go Fund Me in an attempt to replace them for the pupils.

The original target was £500 but that was raised to £1,000 after support poured in. The total now stands at £560.

Read More
STOLEN: Beautiful English springer spaniel pup Lola grabbed from a Doncaster gar...
Upset students Callum-Lea Willott, 15 and Taylor Coleman, 15, pictured outside Stone Hill School. Picture: NDFP-09-03-21-StolenBikes 2-NMSYUpset students Callum-Lea Willott, 15 and Taylor Coleman, 15, pictured outside Stone Hill School. Picture: NDFP-09-03-21-StolenBikes 2-NMSY
Upset students Callum-Lea Willott, 15 and Taylor Coleman, 15, pictured outside Stone Hill School. Picture: NDFP-09-03-21-StolenBikes 2-NMSY
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Parent and fundraiser Tracy Toomer-Willott said: “We are trying to raise funds for replacement bikes. Our school has been targeted a few times now and they’ve had mini buses stolen and now nine mountain bikes.”

And she urged people to dig deep to help out: “Please help us to try and replace as many bikes as we can. Every penny will help us to help our local special needs school.

“Due to the target being met so soon we have upped our target because we feel the more we raise the more bikes we can replace.

"Thank you to all who have donated so far, you are all amazing.”

Nine mountain bikes were stolenNine mountain bikes were stolen
Nine mountain bikes were stolen
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sam Ludlam, Upper School Lead, said: “We saw them on CCTV, it looked like three people, dressed in dark clothing, and they potentially must have had a van nearby.

"They took some of the bikes and then came back for some more. They didn’t take the older bikes or the ones that needed repair.

“We got the bikes two years ago and they cost £400 each, they are used for residential trips and PE.

"It’s not going to be an easy fix.”

He explained the school has currently got 123 pupils, aged between five and 16, who have moderate learning, such as autism and ADHD.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Some of the older ones are now aware of what’s happened and are really not happy because they’re going to miss out on a popular sport. Bikes in Covid have been a godsend.”

And of the fundraisers, he added: “It’s nice to know people are supporting us and that they care.”

If you can offer any help to the fundraising drive, please visit https://gofund.me/e23b9a21

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.