A pensioner who lost his 'lifeline' after thieves stole his electric bike is celebrating after an anonymous donor bought him a new one.
Former East Midlands Ambulance technician Brian Hand, 71, of Aspley , relied on his £800 electric bike, saying it kept him independent.
Brian underwent a major operation to remove a cancerous kidney last year and suffered sepsis damage to both his hands and feet, which makes it difficult for him to walk long distances.
He was left housebound after the bike was stolen from outside Asda in Strelley Road when he left it for just 10 minutes on Tuesday, August 13 at 3.40pm.
But after reading his heartbreaking story, a woman came forward and offered to buy him a new one so he can continue to ride the streets of Aspley.
Delighted Brian told Nottinghamshire Live: "It really shows you that there are people out there that care.
"Someone who I don't know and have never met has come forward and bought me a bike.
"I believe I am getting it on Tuesday. It is the same make. I am going to buy myself some stronger padlocks because I am worried about leaving it anywhere now.
"I shall go out every day with it. I feel like I have got my lifeline back. I have not really been out the house since it happened."
His sister Kath Eastwood, 65, of Bilborough, is so happy that someone has come forward.
She said her brother is still recovering from his near-death experience in hospital where he spent five weeks in intensive care.
She was worried that the bike theft would cause Brian to become withdrawn as it provided her brother with a connection to the outside world.
Talking about the generous donation, she said: "She does not even know Brian, which makes it even more special. It has restored his faith in humanity.
"There are generous people out there that make these kind gestures that have no reason to. It is just amazing for him.
"It will make a massive difference. He will be the independent guy he has always been."
