Pensioner gives his bike to autistic boy

Bob Deeker who has donated his bike to Jason Wyatt who had his stolen.

02 August 2006 09:25

An autistic teenager is smiling again after a kind-hearted pensioner stepped forward to replace his stolen bike.

The Evening News reported how Jason Wyatt, 14, was left devastated when thieves stole his mountain bike from his home in Plantation Road, Hellesdon, on July 25.

The youngster, who has high functioning autism, had only had his bike for a few weeks after charity Family Fund had given his family a £200 grant to buy one for him and his brother Matthew, 12, who has Asperger's Syndrome.

When former cinema worker Bob Deeker, 70, read about the theft he decided to give the youngster his own 18-gear silver Eagle mountain bike.

Mr Deeker, of Paine Road, Heartsease, said: “When I read the story about Jason's bike I felt so sorry for him. I thought how rotten can people be to take a teenager's bike.

“I bought my bike when I retired five years ago, but I have only used it twice and so I thought that I would give it to Jason.”

To make sure that the bike was in tip top condition for Jason he has been dusting it down and cleaning it up, and his wife Dora, 69, has also bought bike lights especially for Jason.

Mr Deeker said: “I hope that he enjoys it. I am sure he will give my bike a good home and get hours of enjoyment.”

Jason was delighted that he now has a bike again like his brother and his sister Victoria, six.

He said: “I would like to thank Mr and Mrs Deeker. It is exciting getting my new bike. It means a lot to me because I have got my independence back again.”

Jason is hoping that his new bike will help him get a job as a paperboy.

Jason's dad Kevin Wyatt, 41, said: “It is fantastic. It just means so much to Jason.

“He has been lost this last week without his bike.

“Thank you to Bob and Dora for their kind-hearted gesture. We are very, very grateful, especially because we were going to struggle to buy Jason a new bike.”

Jason's original blue 18-gear mountain bike was stolen from his back garden between 10pm on Tuesday, July 25 and 6am on Wednesday, July 26.

Anyone with information should call Norfolk Police on (0845) 4564567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555111.

Do you know a vulnerable person who has been targeted by criminals? If so contact the newsdesk on 01603 772443 or e-mail eveningnews@archant.co.uk

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