Shocked residents of Shildon were quick to show their love and support after last week’s devastating fire of one of Church Street’s long standing businesses, PM Racing motorbike shop.
Lillie Young and her family took to Facebook, extending the sentiments of everyone and rallying people to donate to a Gofundme page set up to help Patrizo and Marie Monchetti at their time of need.
The Gofundme page was inundated with kind residents, friends and loyal customers and it quickly amassed over £1,000 in the first twenty four hours.
In a public statement, Marie said: “It has been truly heartbreaking for my husband who has put his heart and soul into building a successful business for over 20 years.”
Thanking County Durham and Darlington’s Fire and Rescue, she called them heroes for attending so quickly and saving some of the bikes, including Patrizo’s much loved Ducati.
She went on to say how wonderful the community was and how their love and support has made a terrible time so much more bearable.
She especially thanked Lillie Young and the family, saying how thoughtful they were for doing such a lovely thing in setting up the money-raising fund.
However, in a move that validates their supporters’ decision to help such a lovely couple, Marie and Patrizo asked that the Gofundme page should be cut short and refunds made to all those who had kindly donated.
“We would like to assure people that we are fully insured for the building, contents and customers’ bikes and although it will take a while to rebuild, we are both fit and healthy and will work until the shop is up and running again.”
In an act of selflessness, the couple urged people to give to others that really are in need, as many are struggling at the moment.
Many comments after the statement were of love, saying what a wonderful couple they were, with businesses offering storage space, work space, spare parts and tools to help Patrizo get back on his feet as quickly as possible.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
