Mystery man comes to rescue after theft

LINDA Oakes (centre) with shop manager Carol Forshaw and (right) volunteer Zoe Halliwell

A MYSTERY benefactor saved the day forc a Shaw charity shop after the first prize in its Christmas raffle was stolen.

A shoplifter dampened the festivities at The Children's Society's shop in Market Street when they swiped the Kindle Fire.

But a kind-hearted Shaw man replaced the tablet after reading about the theft in the Chronicle ­- and even arranged next day delivery to ensure it arrived in time.

Lucky winner Linda Oakes was touched by the generosity of the man who does not wish to be named. "I was really chuffed to win the Kindle because I've never won the first prize in anything," said Linda who lives in Shaw.

"I'm a regular customer at The Children's Society's shop so I had heard about the theft and I was absolutely disgusted.

"I just thought it was so kind of this man to replace the Kindle out of his own pocket, especially at Christmas and for such a good cause, but he shouldn't have had to do that."

The mystery donor added: "I thought it was really despicable for someone to steal the Kindle from a charity shop.

"The Children's Society raises funds for vulnerable children, and for this to happen at Christmas time too is just beyond belief.

"I wanted to do something to help and buying a new Kindle seemed the obvious thing to do."

The theft happened during the afternoon on December 12 and has been reported to the police.

Shop manager Carol Forshaw said: "This was a really heart-warming gesture after what was a cruel act by whoever stole the Kindle.

"After this man's kind offer we even had another man offering to replace the Kindle and it was great to see how thrilled Linda was with her prize. People's generosity is really moving but myself and our fantastic volunteers see it day in day out at the shop."