Christmas smiles for three-year-old girl thanks to Burnley Express appeal

A Burnley family who was left heartbroken after cruel thieves stole their children's "full of sentimental value" bench has been inundated with offers for help from generous local folk.
All smiles - Kailey over the moon with her new benchAll smiles - Kailey over the moon with her new bench
All smiles - Kailey over the moon with her new bench

Mother-of-four Emma Winder was left horrified when she discovered the distinctive red bench, which she had bought for her three-year-old daughter Kailey, had disappeared from her front garden in Lowerhouse Lane.

The Winders had only bought the bench during lockdown and spent days sanding and painting it. Kailey would spend hours sitting on her beloved bench enjoying picnics. The special seat also honoured her great-grandmother who died earlier this year.

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On Friday, Emma, who is married to Kyle and also has Keira-Louise (12), Kaiden (10) and seven-month-old Kaidie-Lea, spoke of the family's heartbreak after she discovered it had been stolen from her garden.

The Winders are overjoyed by the kindness of local peopleThe Winders are overjoyed by the kindness of local people
The Winders are overjoyed by the kindness of local people

She said: "Kailey is gutted and cannot understand where the bench is. To people it's just a kids' bench, but to us, it's full of sentimental value. We enjoyed picnics and sat in the evenings during the summer drinking cups of tea and looking up to stars at night and remembering my grandmother who died during lockdown."

However, once the 29-year-old decided to appeal to the readers of the Burnley Express for help, she could never have imagined the response.

"The generosity of local people has been amazing," she said. "Once the story appeared on Facebook, we had over 10 offers of a new bench and lots of people offering cash donations. "One kind family read the appeal and immediately replaced the children's bench. Christmas has come early for Kailey, She is one happy little girl!"

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She added: "I would like to say a massive thank you for all the shares and lovely comments. There are some very kind people out there. Kailey is extremely happy and cannot wait to paint the bench pink!"

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