A CHARITY which runs a much-loved outdoor space in Dursley has spoken of the community's support after it was targeted by thieves.
Around £20,000 worth of items and tools were recently stolen from the Breakheart Community Project - which runs Breakheart Quarry off Stinchcombe Hill Road.
Stolen items include two Polaris quad bikes, a Montesa trial motorbike, five strimmers, a hedge trimmer, a petrol blower, a pole saw, six chainsaws, and a broken cement mixer.
It is believed the theft happened in the early hours of Friday, June 21 between 1am and 3am.
Many of the stolen items and tools were second hand and had been donated from members of the public over the last 15 years.
Ray Pekala from the charity described the theft as a "major blow".
"We just want to get back to normal and carry on creating a lovely place for all," Ray said.
"We are a not-for-profit little charity and none of our directors get any remuneration from the project at all.
"This has been a major blow to us but as the saying goes, tough times pass, but tough people survive."
Breakheart Quarry - photo by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Mandy Francis Shipway (Image: Mandy Francis Shipway)
Gloucestershire Police issued an appeal earlier this month stating one of the quad bikes had been recovered
However, the charity is still looking for the remaining quad bike and other items.
Breakheart Quarry has been run by volunteers since 2009, with the goal of caring for the site and returning it to its natural state.
Ray added: "The items that were stolen were valued at about £20k.
"This has been built up over 15 years, from donations from various local groups and fundraising events.
"Although we would like to publicise the theft we are conscious of attracting too much unwelcome negativity.
"We like to fly under the radar and allow people to find the area through word of mouth .
"We are gradually trying to rebuild with some amazing donations from local businesses and groups.
"We are taking things slowly as we do with all things.
"Hopefully we will take the positive from this and continue to let Breakheart grow into the amazing place that it is and will continue to be, for and with the help of the community."
A GoFundMe page has since been launched in support of the charity.
So far, almost £1,000 has been raised in hopes of helping and allowing the Breakheart Quarry to "thrive again".
Ray added: "The GoFundMe page was set up at the suggestion of some of the users of the area.
"We just want to get back to normal and carry on creating a lovely place for all."
You can view the fundraiser here - tinyurl.com/rs3n8yya
Breakheart Quarry - photo by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Patricia Gibbs (Image: Patricia Gibbs)
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