Stan Jefferies, a 14-year-old paperboy from Seaford, experienced a distressing incident on Friday, April 25, when his bicycle was stolen whilst he was delivering newspapers on Grosvenor Road. The bicycle, a mountain bike described as an orange and black Scott Aspect 770, had considerable sentimental value as it was a Christmas gift.

After discovering his bike was missing shortly after completing one of his deliveries, Stan reached out to Becca Tracey, the manager of Angie’s Newsagents. “Ten minutes after he left for his round, we had a phone call. He was in tears. He said his bike had gone missing. Someone from a white transit van was seen grabbing it and running off,” Becca reported.

In response to the incident, Becca decided to initiate a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for a replacement bike. The initiative was met with remarkable generosity from the community. “By the end of the day we had around £900,” Becca noted, expressing her astonishment at the community’s kindness. “I forgot how nice people are. It was so overwhelming. We’re still turning people away.”

Despite the setback of losing his bike, Stan completed his delivery round on foot. Becca praised his dedication, referring to him as “such a great boy, a great worker.” His mother, Katie Jefferies, expressed her gratitude for the community's support, describing it as “completely overwhelming.” She added, “We did not expect it. I could not believe it. He was so upset. It has restored his faith in humans.”

Having worked for Angie’s Newsagents for approximately eight months, the job has contributed significantly to Stan’s confidence, as remarked by his mother. Following the successful fundraising effort, Becca conveyed her appreciation through a post, stating, “Thank you all so much from all at Angie’s from Stan, our paper boys and his parents, what an emotional day. For you lovely kind people of Seaford restoring faith in humanity we thank you so much and Stan is over the moon.”

In addition to the community’s support, Sussex Police are investigating the theft. A police spokesperson confirmed that a report of the bike's theft was received at approximately 7.15 am on April 25. Witnesses reported seeing a suspect, described as a man in his early 20s, loading the bike into the back of a white van believed to be a Ford Transit. Authorities have urged anyone with further information to come forward by reporting online or contacting them directly, quoting serial 262 of 25/04.

Source: Noah Wire Services