Members of Bramley Elderly Action were left-shell shocked after their minibus was stolen last month.

The vehicle, pictured, was later found wrecked in a Castleford scrap yard.

A minibus is vital to the charity's work helping older people in west Leeds live independent lives by providing activities and networking opportunities.

Now charity bosses have revealed a YEP article about the theft helped raise £2,000 in donations.

Other cash and cheques have also flooded in – and the charity can now put £7,000 into its new bus fund.

Fundraiser and volunteer co-ordinator Zoe Ricketts said she was gobsmacked by the generosity of the community.
One anonymous donor had even dropped a cheque for £1,000 onto the charity's doorstep, she said.

"We have been really touched by the response to our bus fund since the accessible minibus was stolen," Ms Ricketts said.

"Bramley Elderly Action depends heavily on the minibus to get older people out and about due to the hilly nature of Bramley and the mobility problems that many older people can face.

"We have had donations ranging from £5 to an anonymous £1,000.

"The kind words and donations we have received have helped us regain faith and spur us on in the work that we do.

"We would like to say a big thank you.

"I have been extremely touched by the letters we have received – it really highlights what a kind and supportive community we have here in Leeds."

One letter attached to a donation from a former teacher in Bramley said: "I was so sorry to read in the Yorkshire Evening Post about the theft of your minibus and sincerely trust that the culprits will soon
be found and be suitably punished.

"I have heard how important these vehicles are to the elderly and the disabled, and so I am enclosing a small donation towards a very worthy cause."

Another reader said: "I was horrified to hear about the brazen theft of your minibus in the YEP last night. I hope you are soon able to repair, or better, replace it.

"May you soon have the funds to get back a fine new minibus to keep Bramley Elderly as active as ever."

Bramley Elderly Action operates a neighbourhood network scheme that supports older people to live as independently as possible, and its minibus is vital to that work.

The charity has more than 1,000 members and more than 140 volunteers.
The replacement minibus will cost £30,000 and donations are still welcome.

If you would like to contribute, you can send a cheque, payable to Bramley Elderly Action and marked 'Bus Fund', to Bramley Elderly Action, 230a Stanningley Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 3BA.

For more information on the Bus Fund and other fundraising, volunteering with Bramley Elderly Action or becoming a member contact 0113 2361644 or email: zoe.ricketts@bramleyea.org