Hero’s joyat cash aid

Within hours of Thomas Carr’s plight being spotlighted in the Reporter last week,more than enough money had been pledged to pay for a replacement.

The main donation came from a 77-year-old widow who is giving £1,000 towards the cost.

Members of Westborough WMC have also rallied round, collecting more than £400 over the weekend.

Mr Carr, 86, said: “All this is very generous. I am overwhelmed by people’s kindness.”

The former Marine, who saw action at the D-Day landings, lost much of his independence when thieves took his scooter from a lock-up at his Dewsbury Moor home. They wrecked the machine and left parts strewn nearby. This meant the proud widower had to rely on getting lifts or taxis to get about.

But now he can look forward to getting a brand new scooter with money which has been pledged.

Friend and neighbour David Butterworth, who alerted the Reporter to Mr Carr’s situation, is delighted with the response.

“It is amazing,” he said. “We have been stopped in the street by people disgusted at what happened.” He said Westborough club members ‘had no hesitation’ in making donations. And another woman told Mr Butterworth that she would provide enough money to buy a scooter until all donations were in.

“It all gives you a sense that there are lots of great people in Dewsbury,” said Mr Butterworth.

Mr Carr said any money left after buying a scooter will go to the Help for Heroes charity.