On Friday 18 July, one of our minibuses at Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, Middlesbrough, was vandalised after someone broke into the school grounds to remove the entire front of the vehicle and its four wheels.

Our school is run by local charity the North East Autism Society and we provide specialist education and care for autistic and neurodivergent children in Teesside.

The nine-seater van is used to bring one of our young learners to and from school, and takes him on outings to local parks and attractions, as well as activities such as swimming and horse riding.

The cost of leasing a replacement vehicle whilst the minibus is being replaced will cost the charity over £13,500. Any support you can give to help our school meet this cost is so greatly appreciated.

Interim Principal, Corrina McEwan, said: “We are devastated. This vehicle was not just a means of transport, it was a lifeline for one of our community learners, enabling him to access his education and engage with the world in a way that meets his individual needs.

“To have someone steal from a charity – particularly one that supports some of the most vulnerable in our society – is incredibly disheartening.

“We are proud to work in partnership with our local communities, and this affects not just our organisation, but the wider network of people who support and benefit from what we do. It also disrupts the progress and independence of a young person who depends on consistent, specialised support to thrive.

“We urge anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, we remain committed to supporting our learners and will do everything possible to minimise the disruption to their routine and education. We are incredibly grateful to those in the community who continue to support our work.”

Our patron, Mackenzie Thorpe said: "This news has left me heartbroken and angry. What kind of people would do something like this? Shame on them.

“This centre was built with love, to give vulnerable young people in our community the care, support, and education they deserve.

“Lives of children and their families have literally been transformed here, so to see it targeted in this way isn’t just a theft, it’s a betrayal of everything we stand for.

“Middlesbrough, South Bank, our whole area, is better than this. So, if you know anything about this crime, do the right thing and report it."

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