I am starting this fund raiser to help a friend who recently had his work van and all tools and equipment stolen meaning he is unable to work currently.

Please see his post below.

I Have Nothing Left

On Monday, my van was stolen when I was working on a job. Someone came on to the property and stole it whilst I was a couple of metres away up a scaffold painting the windows.

But it wasn't just a van.

Inside was 26 years' worth of my working life — every tool, piece of equipment, and item of kit I have accumulated over more than two decades as a painter and decorator.

Everything I need to earn a living.

My professional power tools, dustless sanders, extractors, fans, drills, laser levels, access equipment, hand tools, dust sheets, and countless other items you don’t fully appreciate until they are suddenly gone.

Some of these can be replaced. They are expensive, but ultimately replaceable.

But some things cannot be replaced.

There were tools and items that family members had bought for me over the years. Things that had been made or given to me personally. Small but meaningful pieces that had become part of my working life over 26 years.

To whoever stole my van, they are likely just items to sell or discard.

To me, they were my livelihood.

I arrived at work today in a van kindly lent to me by a close friend while they are away on holiday — and I cannot thank them enough.

I went to work today (an empty job), walked inside, and then realised I had nothing.

Not even a dust sheet.

That is when it truly hit me.

I have literally nothing left to do my job.

I am a painter and decorator. I have spent 26 years building my business, gradually purchasing equipment and working hard for everything I have. Nothing has been handed to me — I have earned it through consistent hard work and graft.

And in a matter of minutes, someone has taken all of that from me.

They didn’t just steal a van.

They took away my ability to work.

I am now having to deal with changing the locks on my home because my house keys were inside the van, replacing bank cards and my driving licence because my wallet was also inside, and managing the insurance, police reports, and everything else that comes with having your working life turned upside down. All my diesel receipts, invoices and diary were in there too.

The hardest part is knowing that whoever did this likely gave no thought to the person they were affecting.

They saw an opportunity and took it.

They did not consider the 26 years of hard work behind those tools. They did not consider the person who relies on them to pay their bills. They did not consider what it would mean for me to arrive at work and realise I could not actually do my job.

I keep hearing the Ian Beale meme saying “I’ve got nothing left” crying on his sofa, and it has been stuck in my head since it happened.

And honestly, that is how I feel.

I have nothing.

I am heartbroken, angry, exhausted, and if I am completely honest, I have had moments where I have thought, what is the point?

The police have done very little so far, and I am left trying to figure out how I am supposed to rebuild 26 years of equipment and get back to work.

I am not someone who normally asks for help. I am used to being the one who works hard and helps others.

But right now, I need some help.

I do not expect anyone to replace 26 years of equipment. Please just share this.

You never know who might see it.

And to the person who stole my van and everything inside it:

You may have taken my tools.

You may have taken my equipment.

You may have taken my van.

But you have not taken 26 years of experience, hard work, and pride in what I do.

I will rebuild.

I just wish I did not have to start again from absolutely nothing. ❤️

I am greatful I have good friends and family around me that have shared my post, picked me up, offered to buy me equipment and tools for me to work and just asking how I am. I really appreciate you guys