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Search forKind gesture helps Diana with recovery
Sunday, November 16, 2008, 13:00
Diana Hoye, who is deaf and walks with a frame, was attacked from behind by two people a fortnight ago. The 62-year-old, who had £150 snatched from her bag, was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured cheek bone.
But since reading about her plight on the Observer's front page last week, neighbours from Diana's warden-controlled housing scheme have rallied round to raise the cash she lost. Plaza, a taxi firm also based in Stockland Green, then matched the sum.
"It's been such a great response – not only did her neighbours have a collection, but so did Plaza which ferries a lot of the residents about," said Diana's cousin, Deborah Gannon.
"Remember, these neighbours are on a pension and in their 70s, 80s and 90s, while Plaza came up with the money within an hour of hearing what happened to her.
"And the three community police officers looking after her have sent her a massive bouquet of flowers."
Deborah said: "Diana is overwhelmed; this just restores your faith in human nature – on behalf of the family, we wish to thank everyone.
"The bruises are starting to fade and we've told her 'don't let it beat you'.
"She's bouncing back bit by bit."
A meeting has been called, Deborah added, at Anchor Housing's The Highfields complex, in Underwood Close, Stockland Green – a matter of yards from where the robbery took place. Ways in which lighting could be boosted in the road will be discussed, Deborah said, along with CCTV.
Police said the robbers were two males wearing dark clothing. Diana, who was knocked from her frame, would not have heard them coming, her family explained.
Diana Hoye is recuperating after a robbery two weeks ago left her with these injuries. Her neighbours and a local business have replaced the cash that was stolen from her bag.
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