The MTB racing community and a former pro boxer have come to the aid of young Reuben Smith after his new mountainbike was stolen.

Reuben, who would have ridden in the World BMX Championships in the summer had it not been for the Covid pandemic, was left gutted after his newly purchased bike was stolen off the family’s trailer at Bedgebury Forest.

When the Smith family told of the news on facebook, in a bid to find the bike, former boxer Dan Woodgate shared the post and opened up a justgiving site. 100% of the £450 was quickly raised to help the 13-year-old fund a replacement.

Dan, from Ramsgate, had a six year boxing career and although he had never met Reuben or the family in person, understood what it meant to the young biker.

His message on the justgiving page, said: “Just trying to help a fellow Medway mountain biker.

“I remember when my bike was stolen as a kid, was like taking a punch to the stomach and if we can help restore this youngsters faith in humanity I think it's worth a few pennies or whatever you can spare.”

The young biker hopes to refund those who have helped if the insurance pays out and the family have been touched by the generosity shown.

His bike was taken at about 12.30pm on Sunday while he made a quick visit to the toilet, despite it having been secured to the trailer with a lock. The CCTV hasn’t been of any use and the pictures of the bike were circulated on social media.

Reuben’s mum Maria said: “We were gutted. It was a brand new bike that he worked hard for.

“Someone we don’t know, but who remembers Reuben and I from our previous posts and updates, kindly started a funding page. We were so shocked. We didn’t ask for it and certainly we didn’t expect anyone to do anything.

“I was just glad my son was fine and he hasn’t witnessed forced robbery.

“The guy who started the funding was someone who had much empathy. We were literally speechless.

“A person we never met but understands how hard it is to pay out on things when you already pay so much for the sport you do. The Medway Mountain Bikers admin Alan and Tom were incredibly supportive and the money was raised before midnight.”

Reuben is back in action this Saturday, up alongside many champions, at the South Region Interclub race.

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