Bikers surprise Worthing boy by replacing stolen bicycle

Faye Kelly of Littlehampton Road, Worthing, said the generosity of West Sussex Bikers MCC has restored her faith in humanity after their act of kindness.

On December 17, Faye discovered her son’s bicycle had been stolen from outside their home.

“I told my son and he thought it was a prank, I just wanted to cry. He was absolutely heartbroken,” said the 26-year-old.

Eight-year-old Ronan searched his neighbourhood for the bicycle but was unable to locate it, so Faye decided to post the theft on Facebook in hopes someone may have some information.

Natasha Rogers of the West Sussex Bikers MCC spotted the post shared on a friend’s Facebook page and decided to rally up the troops and do something nice for the family.

“Natasha started a pot and then called me to say they raised enough money – actually more than expected – to buy a bike,” she said.

On January 17, club members gathered at The Farmers pub in South Street, Lancing, to surprise Ronan.

“I told him we were going there for lunch. He asked why there were a lot of bikers there,” said Faye.

Upon arrival Ronan was greeted by dozens of leather clad bikers who presented him with a mini petrol-fuelled bike, helmet, gloves and two hours on the race track at Brooklands Go Karts in Lancing.

“Ronan said he thought the bikers had just recognised him from the Facebook post, he said he never expected to get a new bike and I cried again.

“I just couldn’t stop saying thank you. We just can’t believe it. They’re all so lovely,” she said.

On the day, Ronan got to try out the bike with the help of life-long experts.

Ronan has since taken the bike out onto the dirt track for a proper test drive.

She added: “I described them as angels in disguise. It was absolutely overwhelming.

“He was over the moon. I just can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done. They’ve restored my faith in humanity.”

MCC Bikers regularly raise money for charity and delivered presents to sick children in Worthing Hospital last year.

The team will be hosting an Easter egg run in support of Chestnut Tree House, on Sunday, March 20.

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