Smile back on face of Express & Star paperboy who had £850 bike stolen
He had his bike stolen while delivering rounds of the Express & Star - but now, thanks to the generosity of his community, he has received a new set of wheels.
The thieves then taunted the youngster, saying 'you're never getting your bike back', before speeding off in a blue car, believed to be a Peugeot.
Luckily for Aaron though, after an online appeal launched by Councillor Phil Bateman, he now has a brand new ride courtesy of Hawk Cycles. He was also offered the chance to be guest of honour at a speedway league fixture of his choice by Wednesfield Aces speedway club.
After picking up his new bike at The Hub in Ashmore Park, Aaron said: "I'm really pleased with it, it rides really nice.
"Thanks you for all your help."
[figure caption="Broad Lane North in Willenhall where two men stole the expensive mountain bike" title="Broad Lane North in Willenhall where two men stole the expensive mountain bike" align="right" url="/news/2016/03/17/smile-back-on-face-of-express-star-paperboy-who-had-850-bike-stolen/broad-lane-north-in-willenhall-where-two-men-stole-the-expensive-mountain-bike-2/" alt="Broad Lane North in Willenhall where two men stole the expensive mountain bike" id="1193037"size="100"
He mother Kerry added: "He's so happy with it, he couldn't wait to get on it on the way home.
"It's good that a nice thing has been able to come from something so horrible happening.
"I don't think the police have arrested anyone yet, but hopefully they will get what they deserve.
"A fair few people came down to see him pick it up and there were councillors there as well.
"It's really nice how the community has come together to help him. From it being posted on social media on Friday to him having a new bike on Tuesday, it's quite amazing really.
"Everyone is so glad that he's not giving up his round and is going to keep going to support his football."
Mr Bateman initially brought Aaron's plight to the attention of the public, posting on his Facebook page.
People were outraged that the youngster had been targeted, but soon followed an outpouring of generosity.
One member of the community said they would start a collection, and another offered to give Aaron his own bike, before Hawk Cycles came forward and offered to give him a brand new set of wheels.
Mr Bateman said: "It's quite something, the way that the community has come together after what happened to Aaron.
"We do have a very generous community, and it's great that despite having to go through a horrible experience, Aaron can carry on doing his round.
"What I am still stunned at is how quickly all this has come together. It's just four days since the dastardly theft occurred. Yet here we are all gathered to witness a fabulously generous action by Hawk Cycles.
"I had lots of offers of help from our community.
"Mr Mervyn Fulford was first to come forward with an offer of a bike he had in his garage, and several residents have offered me small cash donations.
"Also, a neighbour in Broad Lane North offered a donation of £50.
"Punjabi Wolves also offered to fund raise for the cost of a new bike.
"Isn't that a real great community re-action."
He added: "Now only one thing would make me happier, and that would be for the two men to be caught."
"I've got a sneaking feeling that all the social media pressure, which has been massive, will convince someone to dob them in."
Mark Reynolds, regional controller of Hawk Cycles, said: "We are happy to respond in this way. We thought that it was a vile robbery. My company was keen to help this young man continue his job starting out in the world of work."
