'Support after theft brought tears to my eyes'

The founder of a riding school for people with disabilities said she was moved to tears by the wave of support following a recent theft.

Equipment worth thousands of pounds was stolen from Kesteven Rideability's school in Hough on the Hill, near Grantham, in May.

Since then, about £15,000 has been raised by the public so the charity could replace most items and install security systems. Councillor Ian Selby has also donated £5,000 to cover a trip to Wales for young disabled riders.

Karen Thompson, founder of the charity said the support had "brought tears to my eyes".

The charity, which was set up in 1988, provides sessions for children and adults with disabilities.

Thompson said it was a "horrible moment" when she discovered the equipment had been taken. "You just feel flawed and numb and angry," she said.

She estimated the cost of the stolen equipment was between £15,000 and £20,000, which had all been paid for by fundraising.

The riding school was forced to cancel all of its sessions, but support from the equestrian community meant it could reopen 10 days later.

Thompson said: "It was overwhelming because it validated us.

"It made us think people really do care about what we do."

In addition to the public fundraising, Selby donated £5,022, which was raised during his year as South Kesteven District Council chairman.

The funds will cover the costs of a five-day trip to a specialist riding centre near Wrexham later this month.

Selby said he chose the charity because "their work transforms the lives of disabled children and adults across our local area".

"The confidence, joy and independence they help riders achieve is genuinely inspiring," he added.

"The organisers and volunteers do amazing work, are greatly valued, and thoroughly deserve the therapeutic holiday in Wales."

Thompson said the donation was "brilliant" and added the children were "non-stop talking" about the trip.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices