A COMMUNITY has come together to raise money for a pensioner who had her handbag and Christmas presents stolen.
The 79-year-old woman was mugged and knocked to the ground and £180 worth of Christmas presents were stolen as well as her handbag.
Users of a community website heard about the woman's plight online and decided to raise the money to help replace her Christmas presents.
The victim, who did not want to be named, said she was hugely grateful.
She added: "I think it's generous, I just don't know what to say.
"It's such kindness at this time of year. Thank you.
"I lost my handbag and my Christmas things. I just stood dumbfounded – I couldn't believe what had happened.
"I can't believe how kind people have been.
"I shall buy presents for family and a Mansfield vs Liverpool football ticket for my granddaughter."
The 79-year-old was on a footpath between Clifton Lane and Gardendale Avenue at 7.15pm on Sunday, December 2 when she was attacked by a man on a bicycle.
She had just returned from a trip shopping in London and her handbag and a Harrods shopping bag containing gifts were stolen.
Maria Watson, of Honister Close, helps to run the Clifton Community Group website and said the group had raised over £300.
She added: "A lot of people wanted to help.
"There's not many communities that do that kind of work. It's fantastic."
The group, which has been running for five months is now raising money for a local student who wants to go to Ghana to do charitable work.
Maria said: "We wanted to put a bit of spirit back and I think, for Clifton, it is nice to show people it's not all bad."
Karen Allsopp, of Fox Earth Avenue, also runs the community website and it was her idea to start the collection.
The 58-year-old said: "I think we get such bad press on the estate.
"I'm more than impressed with the generosity."
To find out more about the group, search for Clifton Community Group on Facebook.
Police say three people have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Is your community fundraising for anyone? Call the newsdesk on 0115 905 1967 or e-mailing newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
