Mundford BFP reader gives victim of crime ‘best Christmas present’

A victim of crime has had an ‘unexpected’ Christmas surprise thanks to the generosity of a complete stranger.

Craig Gradidge has walked to work since having his bicycle stolen from a bike rack in Bury St Edmunds town centre.

Now, thanks to the generosity of a Bury Free Press reader, he has received a £400 donation to buy a replacement.

The 20-year-old battled back to work after having major surgery and had been making the journey to and from his home on the Mildenhall Road estate on his black and red Amoco bike.

But since the bike was stolen from Brengovel Street, he has been leaving for work an hour earlier to complete the ‘miserable’ journey on foot.

Mundford resident Marie Jackson saw an article on the theft in last week’s Bury Free Press and decided to send a cheque so Craig could get a new bike.

“I had a little tax rebate and thought what better way to spend it,” she said.

Craig said: “I was in shock when the call came through. I thought ‘is this real, has someone really been this nice?’. I still can’t believe it.”

He added: “The money will definitely get me a decent bike and I’ll get a decent lock too so no one can fiddle with it. It’s the best Christmas present – and very unexpected.”