Milton Keynes BMX Racing Club is celebrating after raising thousands of pounds to replace stolen bikes and equipment.
Volunteers at the Pineham-based club – one of the oldest in the UK and home to more than a hundred riders aged four to 74 – say they were left heartbroken after the equipment was stolen on 2nd October.
As well stealing bikes and helmets used by children trying out the sport, the thieves took generators, an air compressor, the specialist traffic lights, electronics and speakers used to start races, a Wacker plate, the first aid kit, medals for younger riders and even the battered old brooms used to maintain the track.
But when news of the raid spread swiftly online – with details even being shared on Twitter by Olympic hero Chris Hoy, whose stellar career began on a BMX – offers of support began pouring in.
Now the club is celebrating after raising more than £5,000 to replace some of the stolen gear.
Karis Pattinson, Club Chairman, said: “We were all devastated when we discovered that everything we’ve worked so hard for over so many years had been taken from us. But we’ve been completely blown away by the response to our appeal.
“We’ve had donations from our amazing members and their families, other BMX clubs members form our East Anglian Region, RAD Old School BMX riders, local riders who use the track and we’ve seen amazing generosity from the people of Milton Keynes."
“The thieves may not have cared about the damage they did, but thanks to the fantastic community we’re part of MK BMX Racing Club is getting back on track and stronger than ever. Young and old, novices and experts, we can’t wait to get racing again.”
© MKFM News 2020
