Cowbit villagers raise £3,000 in three weeks for burgled shop

Shop worker Dawn Hook said: “We are delighted. I think it just shows what a great community it is.

“People often say community doesn’t exist anymore but often when there’s a desperate situation it pulls people together.
“There have been people working together on this that barely knew each other before. It has forged friendships and made us in the shop feel so valued.

“What started as something so negative – with the break-in – has led to everyone bonding with a common goal.”

There is now talk in the village of continuing the good work to raise money for improved play equipment.
More than £700 was donated via an online crowdfunding page, set up by villagers within 24 hours of a break-in on February 19. Two weeks later, another attack was made on the store.
The cost of repairs to damaged windows topped £2,000.

Fundraising culminated with a village hall disco, which raised £340 plus a £130 donation from event children’s entertainer Huggy Hug.
Other fundraising included £148 from Cowbit St Mary’s Primary School; £100 from a table top sale; £257 from a coffee morning and donations in store, including £300 from one individual.

Shopowner Colin Foxwell said: “I just want to say a very, very big thank you to everybody who has supported the shop and helped out.
“I still can’t get over it.”