An elderly couple were left with tears of joy after police bought them a brand new car for Christmas.
Officers in south London surprised the husband and wife, both in their 70s, with keys to their new Vauxhall Corsa which appeared on their driveway on Christmas Day morning – plus a cheque for £2,300.
The couple’s previous car was stolen from their garage in Coulsdon in October, leaving them unable to get to and from hospital appointments.
The stolen Austin Metro was later found wrecked and abandoned in a pub car park in Purley.
The pair, called Mr and Mrs Gibbs, were devastated by the theft but could not afford a replacement.
Police in Croydon launched a secret collection to raise money for a new car for the couple, who have been married for nearly 60 years, and soon members of the public began making donations.
Eventually, local car dealership Onodi in West Wickham generously offered to give the couple a car free of charge.
The couple said they were overwhelmed with the officers’ generosity, after receiving their new vehicle plus the money raised on Christmas morning.
“Once you leave, I think we will have a good cry,” Mr Gibbs told officers on December 25.
“I'm just so overwhelmed, I don't know what to say. I've heard of wonderful things happening to people and we try and do our bit for charity, but I never thought this would happen for us."
Mrs Gibbs added: “You've given us our life and our freedom back. I am overwhelmed by the support and generosity you have given us.
“When Helen [DC Helen Cooper] called to ask if we'd be in on Christmas morning, I thought you were going to give us a little hamper.
“I had no idea it would be a car. Now I need to think about what I'll call her.”
She said: “This is an amazing car, it has electric windows, two wing mirrors and no choke. She is amazing.
“Thank you so so much. Make sure you make a note of our registration number so you can give us a wave when you're out on patrol."
DC Helen Cooper, from Croydon CID, said: "Our hearts went out to Mr and Mrs Gibbs when we saw how upset they were to lose their car.
Read More
“It was a real lifeline to them. We just had to do something to help them. As well as donations from officers, the local community and general public have all rallied together to raise money for the couple which will cover costs for insurance and MOT."
The couple’s original car was stolen between 4pm on Friday, October 6 and 10.20am on Sunday, October 8.
Over a week later, officers received a call to reports of an abandoned vehicle and established it belonged to the Gibbs.
Fabion Wilfred, 19, of Goodenough Way, Coulsdon, Surrey, pleaded guilty at South London Magistrates Court to handling stolen goods on December 2. He will be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on January 21.
