Telford BMX group riding high again after kind response to break-in crisis
Riders and volunteers from a Telford BMX race club have been left overwhelmed by the generosity of the community after the club was hit by thieves for a second time.
Wrekin Riders BMX Race Club in Dawley, was targeted by thieves who smashed their way through the locked gates, broke into a cabin and escaped with vital tools and machinery last week.
The club appealed to members of the community and business owners to help replace the tools and any other materials in preparation for their annual regional race and their first national round in August.
Following an appeal in the Shropshire Star on Friday the club received calls from members of the public.
Kieran Edwards, club coach and chairman, said: "It has definitely been a week of highs and lows.
"After the break-in and the appeal in the Shropshire Star, our corporate main club sponsors National Windscreens bought the club two new race bikes for our novice riders to progress on to to help lift our spirits.
"We are always short of bikes and helmets due to the increasing number of children attending our novice sessions, so these two new bikes will be very well used.
"Then we received a call from a man who wanted to remain anonymous but wanted to send us a donation which is on its way – we literally couldn't believe it.
"He said he didn't have materials or tools but wanted to help the kids out after reading it in the Star.
"Then we had an offer of some surplus timber from a fencing project which we will be collecting this week and also a retired tool maker called and offered us some tools he no longer needs, which is brilliant."
Mr Edwards said security has since been tightened at the club with 24-hour patrols.
"If there are any other businesses who can provide a service or products such as further timber, rubble for the surrounding areas of the track, CCTV equipment, electrical equipment, scaffolding for the commentary tower we need for the national race or any volunteers for community working days, then please do get in touch.
"We are so grateful for any help – and we hope we will repay the community when we attract more than 2,000 riders and their families to the town in August for the national which will give a fantastic economic boost to the town."
The club has also been contacted by bosses at Bulldog Security Products in Much Wenlock who have offered security advice and donated some high security locks to the club.
Anybody who can offer anything should call 07811 749489 or email Wrekinriders@outlook.com
