A NURSE, who works on a coronavirus ward, who had her bike and uniform stolen, has spoken out in thanks for the communities response and positive impact they have had on getting her stolen items back.

Kirsten Coutts who works in Darlington Hospital on a covid-19 ward, also had a key fob stolen from her car, the thief/thieves then went onto break into her partner's house and steal clothing and shoes.

After seeing the story published in The Northern Echo, a GoFundMe page was set up and the couple have received various donations from residents and businesses.

In response they said: “We would like to publicly thank the community for the support they have shown over the course of the last week. As a community, we should all take comfort in the knowledge that we really do appear to care for each other.

“Not only would we like to thank the people who have selflessly donated money, but it would be remiss of us not to thank the local and national businesses who have offered to help us.

“Kirsten enjoys open swimming. A ‘dry robe’ was stolen from her car. The company ‘Dry Robe’ kindly replaced this item free of charge.

“Furthermore, local business ‘Reema’ kindly sent a vast amount of food to Ward 33 for all the nursing staff to enjoy. Again, such actions are entirely altruistic and are a credit to our community.

“Finally, we understand that a man attended Darlington Hospital and left an envelope addressed to Kirsten Coutts at the main reception. This envelope contained £50. We would like to thank this gentleman and can confirm that the money was handed in to management. We understand that it will be used to buy items such as biscuits to be shared amongst the ward staff.

“We would also like to thank RST Leathers who offered to replace Kirsten’s stolen motorcycles leathers free of charge. Thankfully the police recovered these items and so ultimately there was no need for us to take them up on this kind offer.”

* Jamie Roy Marriott, 30, of Stooperdale Avenue, Darlington, and Scott David Colling, 28, of Tansley Gardens, Darlington, appeared at at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with one count of burglary and two counts of theft from a motor vehicle.

Both men have been remanded in custody.