An appeal for donations to replace the money stolen from a 100-year old local man during a burglary has received national attention.
A safe containing nearly £4,000 was taken by thieves who broke into Len Parry's home in Skipton earlier this month while he was at Bradford Royal Infirmary having an operation for skin cancer.
This week, the Yorkshire Post set up a crowdfunding appeal to replace the stolen money, which Mr Parry was going to use to repair the roof of his home. The total has now topped £20,000 in just a couple of days.
The 100 year old former RAF pilot told the newspaper: "I really don't know what to say, I am absolutely astounded. It is just incredible. There are some nasty so-and-so's out there but there are a lot more nicer people and this has restored my faith. It has made my day and I just feel so grateful."
Piers Morgan was among the high profile figures tweeting support for Mr Parry, and making a donation. He wrote: "This is absolutely disgusting. What a shocking way to treat a great British hero. Let's get Len his money back. I'm in for £1000, who's with me?
The Skipton resident then appeared on Good Morning Britain today (Thursday) to be interviewed by Piers' colleagues Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard.
Well wishers have raised over £10,000 after heartless thieves stole a safe from a 100-year-old war veteran as he recovered from a fall in hospital.
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 25, 2021
Len tells @susannareid100 and @benshephard that he appreciates everyone's kindness.
❤️ pic.twitter.com/NXZ0L5G74J
You can donate to the appeal here: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/len-parry-yp
North Yorkshire Police has appealed for witnesses and information about the burglary, which it says happened at an address on Long Meadow in Skipton between 4th and 12th February.
A spokesperson said: "We are appealing for information about any unusual activity seen in the area between these dates, especially on 4 and 5 February. Also if anyone has found, or knows the whereabouts of a small brown coloured digital safe around a cubic foot in size."
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Ruth Daley. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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