Downham Market club helps 17-year-old who had bike stolen the day after his father’s funeral

Generous club members have stepped in to help a youngster whose bike was stolen just one day after his father’s funeral.

After hearing the sad story involving Ethan Rayner, 17, from Downham, staff at the AT Johnson hardware store and bike shop and the town’s 41 Club purchased a new bicycle for him.

Ethan's dad died suddenly and unexpectedly at 57 years old.

The teen had also left his phone with a repair shop to have the screen fixed, but the shop was broken into, with his phone one of the items stolen. It remains missing.

Ethan had left his bike locked up outside of Subway in Downham, and when returning the day after his dad’s funeral, found it had been taken.

Tony Bridger, the owner at Mr Bee’s Fotostop, said: “He was obviously very upset, particularly as his dad had bought it for him a couple of years ago for his paper round.

“His sister Amy then posted on the local Facebook page to see if anyone may have seen it dumped around the town, or even seen it being taken.

“Lots of people in the town had seen the post, and Ethan's mum has also enquired in businesses around the town in case anyone had seen anything, but unfortunately no information has led to finding the bike.”

Mr Bridger, who employs Ethan’s sister Amy and is part of the 41 Club, raised a suggestion with fellow members on Wednesday evening to buy Ethan a new bike. Everyone was quick to agree.

On purchasing the bike from AT Johnson, they also offered a substantial discount on the sale for Ethan.

“The support of the community in trying to help recover the bike has been greatly appreciated by the family,” Mr Bridger added.