Love a duck! Help floods in for Harold
Offers of help have been flooding in for a Black Country great-grandfather who was left devastated when thieves stole 14 of his cherished chickens and three ducks.
Kind-hearted Express & Star readers who were touched by 89-year-old Harold Fletcher's ordeal have been calling in to offer money, advice and information.
Mr Fletcher, of New Invention, was left devastated when thieves raided his coop in the garden of his Lichfield Road home on Wednesday night. One generous reader has even offered a reward of £200 for information leading to the return of the birds.
Animal-lover Billy Wilson, of South Perton Farm, who runs Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary, has dug deep into his own pockets to stump up the reward money.
"It was just the look on Mr Fletcher's face," he said.
"I've worked with lots of animals in my life and you do get very attached to them.
"He's obviously worked hard to look after them everyday and loved them." Others have been offering cash donations in a bid to buy Mr Fletcher some new birds.
Former RAF man Mr Fletcher, who had been breeding the hybrid birds for 35 years, awoke on Thursday morning to feed his brood only to find his beloved birds had gone.
Mr Fletcher, who was celebrating his birthday today, said he was overwhelmed by the response.
"I never expected anybody to give any money. It's very kind" he said.
* Anyone else wishing to help Mr Fletcher can call our newsdesk on 01902 319412.
