AN EIGHT-year-old schoolgirl who had her bike stolen after spending all her birthday money on it has had it replaced by an Accrington business.
Accrington Cash Generators store manager, Mary-Ann Tattersall, saw distraught Baylie Cochrane’s plea for her bike’s safe return in last week’s Observer and since then has done her best to help.
Mary-Ann said: "I really felt for Baylie when I saw her story last week.
"I have children and one of them had their bike stolen when they were little and I remember how traumatic it was.
"I served Baylie when she came in the first time and instantly remembered her bike as we are the only shop in the area to stock the Hocus Pocus brand.
"When I came into work the next morning I got on to my boss to see if we could replace it for her and he agreed."
The pink and blue pushbike was stolen from outside Baylie’s home in Milton Street, Oswaldtwistle, last Tuesday teatime as she nipped inside for a drink.
The St Paul’s Primary School pupil, who lives with her mum Kelly Bradshaw, brother Hayden, two, and sister Charlie, 11, went to choose her new bike from the store on Broadway, Accrington, on Tuesday afternoon.
She decided on a pale pink Coyote Stardust bike after she was surprised to be given a choice by Mary-Ann.
Baylie’s mum Kelly said: "I think it’s lovely that they have decided to replace it.
"Never in a million years did I expect this to happen. I didn’t tell Baylie about what was happening, I let the lady in the shop explain. When she realised she was so happy she nearly cried.
"I am now going to get the police to postcode the bike and I am sure Baylie will never leave it alone again."
* An anonymous person also sent the Observer a cheque for £60 to replace the bike. Since this will not now be needed, we would like the donor to contact our News Desk on 871444 to either reclaim the cheque or give new instructions for its use.
