Hi my name is Liam, you may have seen me recently on social media. I recently had my beloved Norco Sight A3 stolen from mums car. It was chain to the bike rack and chained well. It was then dismantled on the side of the road and taken away.

This happened while we were attending a committee meeting for my local Rugby club someone thought they had the right to steal my race bike. (They nearly got my sisters too, but were disturbed) I mention this, as we are a family who gives their time to the community and helps where we can especially with my Scouts group. And I hate that this happened while Mum was attending a meeting. We wouldn't have had the bile, but I had just been at training and training ran late, so we had go straight to mums meeting.

As much as having your bike stolen hurts, this hit me hard - so hard.... this wasn't just the pain of loosing your joy ride...

I raised every cent for my bike, making and selling Jams in our community, and at every market that would take me. I was 10 going on 11 when I did this, now 12... I continued with my jams and chutneys to pay for my upgrades and attend/grow my skills in things that weren't in my parents budget. SO this criminal not only took my pride and joy, but my very own sweat and tears, and hard work, that no minor would usually have worked to get such a precious bike.

I still make Jams and chutneys, recently entering my creations in the Newcastle show coming away with ribbons (they must be tasty), but sadly with the cost of ingredients and the amount I had to sell to get my bike I wouldn't be able to pull off that mammoth job in time to continue in my racing.

(of course my Mum would help me, but I made made 1000's of jars and I mean 1000's um tried to do a tally, and got to 3000 min - and I thank every single person who did buy them) But to pull that off, I also made them before and after school to sell on weekends, mum made all my labels, and bottled them all... but now I am in high school I don't have that same spare time

This year I also got into Hunter Academy of sport, and I am very passionate about riding, and love my racing... it was the whole reason I wanted so desperately to have such an awesome bike. And of course without having the funds, mum found a way to make my dreams come true...

My next race is in two weeks, and I train 3 times a week. And I am guttered to not being able to attend (although I will try hire or borrow a bike for the comp)

I know everyone is feeling the financial burden (Thanks mum for explaining this to me in a way I would understand) so I am already grateful that you took the time just to read this.