£10k grant leads ‘amazing' response to break-in at school for autistic children
Staff at The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, run by the North East Autism Society (NEAS), were 'devastated' when a hooded raider broke into the Middlesbrough school last week.
The thief dismantled the £50,000 Ford Tourneo, stealing the bonnet, engine parts, and tyres, causing £16,000 of damage.
Interim Principal Corrina McEwan with the damaged van last week (Image: Chris Barron) It is primarily used to transport a pupil called Caleb to and from the South Bank school, as well as take him on trips to local attractions, leisure facilities, and parks.
However, the losses have been covered by a magnificent community response, led by The Teesside Family Foundation, which came forward with a £10,000 donation.
Tony Wedlake, who launched the foundation in 2017, visited the school on Wednesday, along with trustee, Richard Poole, to hand over the money.
Left to right: Teesside Family Foundation trustee Richard Poole, Interim Principal Corrina McEwan, and Teesside Family Foundation founder Tony Wedlake at The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre (Image: Chris Barron) Tony said: 'The beauty of The Teesside Family Foundation is that we are able to respond quickly and the trustees supported the decision to make this donation within 24 hours of hearing about the terrible break-in.
'As well as helping the school and NEAS, it is also a way of acknowledging the fantastic support Mackenzie Thorpe has given the foundation over the years.'
Richard added: 'It's disappointing that someone would do this to a charity but, thankfully, we've been able to step in quickly and make sure the school continues its vital support for local families.'
A further £1,500 was donated by the Wainstones Hotel, at Great Broughton, while additional public donations were made through a GoFundMe appeal.
Caleb's mum Sarah Bowman set up a separate appeal page and raised £420. She said: 'The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre has helped and supported our family in all ways possible.
Caleb, the 12-year-old boy who relies on the minibus (Image: NEAS) 'They accepted Caleb when he was expelled from a different special needs school because of his extreme challenging behaviour, offering a more 'bespoke' community school environment, and this bus is his lifeline in accessing activities – it is his safe space.
'I can't thank everyone enough for their amazing response to the appeal – especially the Teesside Family Foundation. It has restored my faith in human nature.'
Interim principal Corrina McEwan said: 'We are incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity shown to us. We were devastated by what happened, but this means there will be limited disruption, and Caleb can continue his learning journey without feeling any impact.'
The school is named in honour of Middlesbrough-born artist Mackenzie Thorpe, who is a NEAS patron.
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He said: 'This crime was heartbreaking but I never doubted for a moment that the people of Teesside would come together.
'Their kindness, and the incredible generosity of the Teesside Family Foundation, shine brighter than any darkness.
"To know that this wonderful school can continue its work, and that Caleb and other children won't miss out on those precious days out because of such a mindless act, means everything.'
Since it was launched, The Teesside Family Foundation – run entirely by volunteers – has raised £1.5m. Its support includes providing free holidays to 140 families every year, as well as providing specialist equipment for disabled children, and giving annual grants to around 50 grass roots sport clubs.
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