Company replaces charity's shutters

Company Alpine Security Systems install free roller shutters at Dr Kershaw's Hospice Shop, Chadderton Precinct, Middleton Road, following a break in during October which left the shop with thousands of pounds of damage

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AFTER thieves targeted their charity shop in Chadderton, Dr Kershaw's Hospice were left contemplating installing expensive roller shutters to protect themselves.

But before they could even finish tidying up after last month's attack, which caused thousands of pounds of damage, Royton firm Alpine Security Systems had pledged its help for free.

The family company, run by husband and wife Andy and Julie Livesey, arranged to visit the shop, on Chadderton Precinct, Middleton Road, and install roller shutters free of charge.

Julie said: "When we saw what had happened to the shop on Facebook we were shocked.

"We contacted them straight away and arranged to fit the shop with new shutters within a week.

"Staff and members of the public thanked us when they heard what we had done, but we just wanted to give something back to the community.

"We think Dr Kershaw's is a fantastic cause. We have had family members and friends affected by cancer and who have needed to use their services in some way.

"They do so much to help people and the shops raise a lot of money so it is important they are secure."

Staff at the store were left feeling "violated" when they arrived to find the shop had been trashed, jewellery stolen and a collection box raided last month.

The thieves gained access to the shop after smashing a small, reinforced window at the front of the shop.

The community quickly rallied around to support the charity and the shop after the incident, with a Justgiving page also set up within days.

Lisa Pearson, income generation manager, said: "We were so upset when we learned that someone had broken into our Chadderton shop.

"At first we thought they'd just smashed the window, which was bad enough, but when we saw the devastation they caused ­- it was heartbreaking.

"However, within 24 hours we got to see the people of Oldham step up and show the real side to the people of this borough.

"We had an offer of a replacement window, we were being inundated with stock to replace that which had been stolen, and Alpine Security called into the hospice to say that they wanted to fit roller shutters to the shop free of charge to prevent it happening again.

"The kindness and generosity of the people in this area is outstanding, and the hospice couldn't survive without such magnificent support."