The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
An extremely generous reader of The Spalding and South Holland Voice has pledged £50,000 to enable Hovenden House to replace a stolen minibus.
The anonymous donor called the Fleet care home after seeing our story last week.
They felt moved after reading how distraught the residents were by the theft from the home’s car park of the minibus, a Y-registration adapted eight-seater Mercedes Sprinter.
Wheelchair user Pam Pawson (65), a resident at the Leonard Cheshire Disability home for 42 years, said: “We can’t put into words how delighted we are.
“We were all so upset when we found out the minibus had been stolen as this gives us our only contact with the local community.”
And fellow resident Carol Shaw (56) said: “This amazing donation just goes to show how kind people are.
“We are all so happy. Thank you.”
The theft of the large minibus has put extra pressure on Hovenden House’s remaining two smaller minibuses. They can only transport one or two wheelchair users at a time.
As medical appointments take priority, many residents were left feeling devastated as they couldn’t go out.
Care supervisor Rachel Mayer is absolutely thrilled that outings can now be planned again.
She said: “This is a generous donation and we are extremely grateful. It would have taken us a long time to fundraise for a new wheelchair-adapted minibus.
“We feel very lucky to be in a position to start planning for group activities again.
“It will give back people’s independence which is so important.
“We would like to thank the person who gave us the money – it really will make a huge difference.”
It is hoped that the new custom-built minibus, which will have additional security features, will be delivered in a few months.
