7:00pm Friday 10th September 2010
By Chris Buratta
EFFORTS to save a disabled sports centre, threatened with closure because of a massive photocopier bill, have been dealt a blow by thieves.
Raiders stole tables and chairs from an event held by the Headington Road Runners club – wiping out most of the £1,000 its members had raised for Oxford and District Sports and Recreation Association for the Disabled (Oxsrad).
Crooks stole hired tables and chairs from the event marquees at its annual 10km run on Saturday night at Worminghall Airfield near Thame, Oxsrad faces closure if it cannot pay off a £48,000 bill on a five-year photocopier lease.
It has provided sporting facilities from its base in Marston, Oxford, for more than 20 years.
Organiser Luke McNeill said: “We would have raised nearly £1,000 but that will go down to a £100 or so now.
“It’s so frustrating. We are trying to raise money for a local charity – which really needs that help at the moment.
“Oxsrad is fantastic for able-bodied and disabled groups and it will be devastating if it closes down.”
Club chairman Adrienne Hopkins said: “It is a real kick in the teeth for everyone.
“We have been working really hard to support them through a tricky few months.”
Oxsrad manager Paul Saxton said: “That money could have meant the difference between staying open or closing up.”
He praised the Road Runners’ efforts, saying: “People are coming up with ideas of how to help. It’s really heartwarming.”
Other fundraising activities include a sponsored bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats by therapist Catriona Cusack, which has already raised £600.
The charity has not disclosed how much has been donated so far.
The centre is continuing to negotiate with BNP Paribas Lease Group (Rentals) Limited to settle the debt but no agreement has been reached.
They were taken to court by the firm and ordered to pay £48,851. Oxsrad accepted it must pay the bill.
Can you help the charity? Call Oxsrad on 01865 741336.
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