Keighley News readers put smile back on Ben’s face (From Keighley News)
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Keighley News readers put smile back on Ben’s face
10:00am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Keighley News reporter
Liam Eastwood from the Game On store with Ben as he chose his first game.
Kind-hearted Keighley News readers have rallied round to help a Silsden boy who lost his £100 Christmas money.
A stream of fellow Cobbydalers pledged fivers to 11-year-old Ben Marklew within minutes of hearing about his plight.
And Keighley video games shop Game On offered a £100 voucher to replace the money Ben planned to spend on an Xbox console.
A credit tab was arranged by Azeem Hussain, owner of the Hanover Street shop.
Mr Hussain said: “When I read what had happened I thought how bad it was for the lad. I thought it was something we could help with.”
Mr Hussain’s offer came just days after a heartwarming meeting, arranged by users of the silsden.net website, where townspeople donated a total of £70.
Ben’s mum, Sue, said: “Myself and Ben stood outside the post office and people just turned up to hand over money and have a chat. Everyone was so nice.
“I can’t believe how kind people have been – it just shows how good Cobbydalers are!”
Sue also paid tribute to Mr Azeem’s “amazing” gesture, saying: “I was so touched someone in the current economic climate could offer this money.”
Ben lost the £100 in banknotes after putting them in his pocket while out for a walk in fields near his Bolton Road home two days after Christmas. Most of the money had come from his gran.
