Peterborough pensioner devastated by theft of bike stunned when ‘Good Samaritan’ leaves him a new one

Michele Patella (85), a keen cyclist, rode his bike from his home in Fletton to the Lidl store on Lime Kiln Close at around 2pm to do some shopping.

He locked his bike up safely at the front of the store but when he came back to begin the ride home he found that thieves had removed the lock and stolen the bike.

A security guard came to help Michele but he was left very upset by the experience.

He said: “I walked all around the outside of the shop looking for the bike and then I started to cry. I thought what am I going to do now? It’s so close to Christmas, I’ve got no car, how can I get out and get food for my family?”

After taking Michele back into the store and asking if anyone had seen the bike being taken, the security guard arranged for a taxi to take Michele home.

He was still without his bike though and it had sentimental value.

Michele, a keen gardener, who grows a variety of produce including potatoes, garlic, tomatoes and grapes both at his home and at his allotment, had specially modified the bike to add a basket to both the front and the back to carry all his produce and tools.

He has been cycling for many years after first taking to the pursuit after failing to pass his driving test in the UK, after previously holding a licence in Italy.

Michele moved to the UK in 1965 and spent his working life as a builder.

It was only 30 minutes, however, after arriving home from Lidl that he received a knock at the door from a customer who had heard about the theft and Michele’s distress.

She arrived offering Michele a bike and returned the following day to deliver the bike as well some other items such as a new rucksack, a hat and gloves.

Michele added: “I couldn’t believe it. She told me that she wanted to give me a bike but after she left on Wednesday I didn’t think I would see her again.

“I was very surprised, I’ve never met or seen her before in my life, she just wanted to help.

“The next day she came back with the bike and it is really good quality and in good condition. It will certainly last me the rest of my life.

“I gave her some panettone, some potatoes I’d grown and some wine I had made myself as a thank you. I just want to say to her, bless you and thank you very much indeed.”