A CHARITY ransacked by burglars is bouncing back — thanks to the “overwhelming” support of Bolton people.

Staff at the Mencap store in Chorley Old Road, Heaton, were left devastated when burglars broke into the building through the roof and ransacked the charity’s shop and learning centre for adults with disabilities.

Computers, cameras and other electrical items worth thousands of pounds were stolen.

Staff and volunteers have organised a fundraising evening at Rumworth Hall in Prescott Street at 8pm on Friday, October 4.

Pattie Chadwick, project manager and chairman of Bolton Mencap, said: “It is going to take a while to get everything back but we are functioning.

“There’s no money in the till, it’s all going out as we are buying stuff back.

“We are hoping to buy more of the stuff back through fundraising.

“We had a lot of donations from people who don’t normally donate but heard about the burglary and wanted to.

“We have been really shocked at the amount of donations.

“When the article was in The Bolton News we were inundated with donations.

“We were overwhelmed, it’s been absolutely fabulous.”

People have been telling volunteers to keep change when buying from the store and a young woman brought in a £100 cheque from her grandmother.

A business has offered to donate some computer equipment and a new door has been provided by Stitched Up By Doreen, a company based near the charity.

The charity evening will include entertainment from DJs and different acts.

A raffle including free haircuts and styles, vouchers, gym passes and jewellery from Beaverbrooks will take place as well as a tombola.

Mencap is still desperately in need of a new till as the old one was smashed during the burglary.

Anyone who can provide a trailer for the charity to transport donations is being asked to get in touch.

Savings which were going to go towards buying a replacement trailer but are now being used to replace stolen items.

New or second-hand digital cameras are also wanted and the charity is looking for someone who can provide pasties for the fundraising evening.

Tickets cost £2 and will be on sale at the Mencap store next week.

People who can asssit should call Amy Wilding, programme manager, on 07595 221797 or call into the store at 308 Chorley Old Road.