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Category:

Charity

Date: 20/12/17

Support tradesman struck by theft and cancer

Help us support tradesman struck by theft and cancer - donate #toolsforlee

As we run up to the end of a happy and prosperous 2017, we are shocked and saddened to hear the plight of a Cheltenham tradesman - struck by disaster for the third time this year.  A victim of tool theft back in February, Lee Newman had his van emptied of several thousand pounds worth of tools in an overnight heist.  Although insured, the insurance company refused to accept the insurance claim over some small print, leaving Lee to replace the tools out of his own pocket.

Lee

Worse still, several months later in August, Lee faced another devastating tragedy whilst still trying to recover from the loss of his tools.  Diagnosed with an incurable cancer, his whole life changed in a moment.  And yet he refused to give up, going back to work as usual to keep himself occupied and active.

Then the unbelievable happened…on the 4th December, Lee’s van was broken into for the second time and his new tools, worth several thousand pounds, were stolen once more. 

LEE 2

Read the full story at On The Tools

How we're supporting Lee

At Armorgard, we do get to hear some of the stories of tradespeople on the front line battling crime, and we’re painfully aware of the massive increase in equipment theft over recent years.  Although this time of year is traditionally a happy one, not everyone has the opportunity to relax with family and friends and enjoy the break.  Some people are really struggling to support themselves and their families and coping with real hardships.  Lee’s story is heartbreaking, and yet he’s managed to keep going despite the odds. 

TB2 open prop

We’re going to help Lee fight on and get back on his feet and we'd like others to help too. We're donating one of our most popular secure tool chests to give Lee the best protection against theft.  We’re also reaching out to all tradesmen and anyone else who has been touched by Lee’s story, to ask if they have any spare tools that they can donate – we want to fill Lee’s new TuffBank with tools and equipment so he can get back to work.  We feel it's a great opportunity for the industry to come together and make a real difference.  

How can you help?

Please send or deliver any tools and equipment to us and we will deliver them to Lee when his box is full.  We will post regular photos of the growing contents via On the Tools and our own social media pages, and will publicly acknowledge your donations and support.

Call us on 02392 380280 and ask to speak to Customer Services or email [email protected] for more information.  If sending or delivering tools please label them #toolsforlee and send to Armorgard Ltd, Unit 14-16 Standard Way, Fareham Industrial Park, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 8XB

Lee’s son, Oliver has set up a Crowdfunding page, and although the target of £1000 has been hit, Lee has lost around £10,000 of tools.  If you'd rather donate cash, please go to Just Giving