Community spirit alive as local companies replace garden furniture stolen from Willows Dementia Hub

Community spirit is well and truly alive, as two local businesses have donated garden furniture to the Willows Dementia Hub in Rochdale after its vulnerable and elderly residents had been targeted by heartless thieves.

The thieves had struck over the Easter weekend, stealing the residents’ rattan garden furniture, which had originally been provided through fundraising since the Willows’ opening 15 months ago.

Police have been contacted and CCTV footage reviewed from the weekend of the theft, which showed two visits from young men.

On the first visit on Friday evening, the two young men jumped over the fence before taking a table over the road. They returned the following night with a third young man, before taking the remainder of the garden furniture.

However, after hearing about the devasting theft, which had left the Willows’ 21 residents unable to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of the garden whilst observing social distancing, both Minky and LuxuryRattan stepped in, providing several patio sets, bistro sets, a rattan sofa, sets of rattan tables and chairs, a bench and cushion, plus a hanging egg chair, two parasols and two lounger chairs.

 

 

Incredibly, the stolen furniture has since been recovered, although some items were damaged. A crowdfunding page set up by a resident's relative will enable the Willows to replace the parasols, bases and cushions.

Julie Saville, registered manager of the Willows, said: “We’ve had an amazing donation of furniture from LuxuryRattan and Minky. Thank you so much to them and the local community for the overwhelming support over the past few days for our residents.

“The men who recovered our original furniture have been supportive. They have reassured us and most importantly, made us feel safe again.

“Police have said they will take action. This generosity really puts your faith back into humanity.”

Ryan Schwarze, of online retailer LuxuryRattan, based in Littleborough, said: “Dementia is a cruel disease and one that has a major impact on not only the individual but the entire family. In the current situation that we find ourselves in, to know as a family member that your loved one is receiving such care and compassion offered from the Willows dementia hub would help me through the current crisis.

“The work that the individuals at the Willows dementia hub commit to, is outstanding and something as a community to be proud of.

“I could not actually believe that this had happened and was shocked that people could actually do this to such vulnerable people. Especially during such dark times.

“As a business we felt it was our humbled duty to aid vulnerable people in our community. If our donation of garden furniture can restore faith and bring light to both the residents and the amazing staff at the Willows dementia hub, then we are extremely happy. 

“We wish both the residents and staff at the Willows hub all the best for the future.”

 

 

David Stuchbury, online buyer for Minky, based at Rochdale’s Vale Mill, said: “As an established Rochdale company, we felt we were in a position where we could help out. The warehouse manager and I went up on Monday (20 April) with the furniture.

“We are pleased to have been able to help out and to help the residents get back outside, which is something many of us are taking for granted at the moment.”