A generous charity stepped in to replace a 'distraught' teenager's bike after it was stolen.
Farran Noble, 13, was heading out to meet friends when he was pushed up against a wall and assaulted – with his attacker fleeing with his bicycle.
The teenager, who has learning difficulties, has found it difficult to go out since his ordeal, which happened at about noon on April 6 on the corner of Stanley Street.
What made it worse is that Farran loves to go out on his bike, as it helps to 'clear his mind'.
But the smile returned to the Benjamin Britten High School student's face last Friday, after a brand new bike was presented to him by the Taylor High Memorial Fund at the Wilco store in Lowestoft.
Farran's parents, Amanda and Andy Noble, said they were 'overwhelmed' by the response.
Mrs Noble said: 'He uses his bike not only for enjoyment, but to alleviate his frustrations due to having learning difficulties – getting out on his bike helps to clear his mind.
'He was absolutely distraught. He lost all his confidence and self-esteem and did not want to
go out unless it was with
his brothers, family or friends.
'We set up a GoFundMe campaign page to try and fundraise for a new bike, but then Elaine and Gary High – from Taylor's fund – said they would actually purchase the bike for us.
'We are so thankful to the High's, and so appreciative of all they have done.'
She added that the community had also rallied round, with additional funds helping to pay for extra equipment for the bike, and they were grateful to Wilco for their help.
Mrs Noble added: 'We would also thank Janine and
Carl Challis for lending Farran a bike while we fundraised to purchase a new one and for now purchasing a tracker and fitting it to the bike. It's fantastic how everyone pulls together in times like this.
'We now have a very happy young man who we can support to regain his confidence using his new bicycle – something that means so much to him.'
A police spokesman said that the victim was 'pushed up against a wall' and had his bicycle stolen.
'It is being treated as a robbery and is being investigated by Lowestoft CID,' the police spokesman said.
Call police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 26810/16.
? Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.uk
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