A disabled delivery driver from Bristol has had a brand new specially adapted motorbike fundraised for him in less than 24 hours. It follows the devastating news that his motorbike was stolen and trashed in Bristol overnight on March 10.
Felippe Chagas, a rider friend of David decided to set up a fundraising page to try and help pay for a new bike, which is believed to be unique in this country, as well as supporting him until he is working again.
In less than 24 hours, remarkable support from local communities across Bristol and further have helped the fundraiser reach its £5,000 target just before midday on March 12. This means David can get a new bike and go back to delivering for UberEats and Deliveroo.
Read more: The law around garden fence ownership explained
David uses a motorised wheelchair to get about and his one-off three-wheeler scooter has been specially adapted to take that wheelchair, as well as the other modifications needed to be a delivery rider. However, on March 10 the bike was stolen from his home near Eastville Park and found smashed up on the Bristol-Bath Railway Path near the tunnel at Staple Hill.
The full-time delivery driver has been forced to stop working until he can get a replacement bike due to his disability. The new bike could take up to 40 days to arrive as it will have to be specially adapted and modified by a firm in London.
Over 290 different people have donated to the fundraiser in less than 24 hours, with the top donation of £500 coming from one individual. The combination of goodwill gestures means David is able to replace his specially adapted motorbike.
Read more: Wheels or doors? The huge online debate that has split the world
Felippe Chagas, who set up the GoFundMe page and said: "I'm doing screenshots and sending them to David so that he is aware that we've accomplished the goal. He's absolutely thrilled, very grateful and happy. It's not even been 24 hours since we started the campaign.
"David's uncle managed to find his bike in Birmingham. They drove there yesterday to get the bike and only managed to get back to Bristol at around 4am this morning. It's been a heck of a day trying to get a new bike, trying to collect the new bike from London.
"It's been quite crazy but heartwarming at the same time. So many people have been keen to help."
Felippe appealed for everyone in Bristol to help and added: "David is our friend. The guy is such a lovely human being, a hard worker and an inspiration for a lot of us. Even the restaurants, everywhere couldn't believe that someone could do such a thing to a disabled person.
"We decided that we should do something. I've never set up a GoFundMe page before, but I learned yesterday. Everyone got involved though, I can't take all the credit myself.
"David told me that a new bike would take at least 40 days. Some of the pieces need to be ordered and then they have to arrive and be fitted. It's not a straightforward change, it's quite a tricky one so it's going to take a while."
Felippe added: "There's a garage in London that can adapt the motorbike to a wheelchair user. Once you've fitted in the wheelchair, you've got to lock it in place, then you've got the windshields, wireless charger and so many other modifications. Everything has a cost.
"Motorbikes are normally 50CC, but once you put a wheelchair in you need to up to 100CC or 125CC to be able to ride up places like Constitution Hill for example.
"The bike goes through a lot of changes, but even before the changes, the bike alone is around £3,000 so it is quite pricey."
You can view the fundraiser by clicking here.
Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop? Download our app on iPhone or Android
Also read: The £10 Primark spring accessories shoppers are in love with
