Fundraiser launched as Queen’s Park widower’s belongings stolen from removal van
John and Betty Feaver with daughters Michele and Monique and their granddaughters - Credit: Archant
An 84-year-old widower has been left traumatised after thieves stole a rented removal van containing his possessions from outside his home.
John and Betty Feaver - Credit: Archant
John Feaver was moving from Windermere Avenue, Queen’s Park, on July 18 to relocate closer to his daughters in Preston, Lancashire.
His family believe the Mercedes Sprinter van was being watched by thieves who stole it later that night.
His son-in-law Mike Brennan, said: “He lived in Queen’s Park all his life but couldn’t manage the stairs anymore so we found him an apartment on one level near us but thieves made off with half his belongings – all his clothes, his furniture.”
In a double blow the family now have to pay the £2,000 insurance excess to County Car and Van Rental in Preston.
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“They took it straight away which just made everything worse.”
A fundraising page has now been set up to meet some of the cost and replace the clothes Mr Feaver lost.
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A former handyman at an old people’s home, John was married to his beloved wife Betty for 52 years until her death on March 30 2012. The couple had three daughters, but one died aged 19, leaving behind a son who they brought up.
Mike, 49, added: “He was traumatised on the day and now he’s angry about the theft. Most of his possessions were in the van as there was only two us doing it.
“We were going to put the remainder in the next day and set off. The person must have been watching the van being loaded during the day then later stole it without using the key because I had the key with me in the house.”
Among his possessions were two suitcases containing all his clothes, including favoured Marks & Spencer shirts and trousers, and all his kitchen utensils.
Items of furniture such as a much loved armchair have also gone.
“We’ve lent him a settee and he’s wearing my clothes now.” added Mike, who says they feel let down after police closed the case within two days.
Rob Hardman, general manager of the van rental company said they had not received a complaint from the family.
He added: “We are happy to discuss the matter with the hirer directly, either informally or via our complaints procedure.”
To donate visit gofundme.com/84-man-has-everything-stolen.
