'I hate to ask for help': Skegness guardian appeals to save his job after moped stolen in broad daylight
A Skegness man who cares full-time for his non-verbal autistic nephew says he is in a race against time to keep the job he loves after his moped was stolen outside his workplace earlier this month.
The local guardian, who we are not naming to protect the identity of the child in his care, has lived in Skegness with his partner for 15 years.
In 2024, the couple took on full-time care of their nephew and were granted a Special Guardianship Order in 2025.
“It has been tough at times with him being non-verbal and autistic, but we love him and we’re committed to giving him the best life we can,” he said.
On February 9, his moped — which he relies on to travel between multiple caravan parks for work — was stolen from outside his workplace in broad daylight.
CCTV footage has been reviewed and police are investigating, but those involved were wearing face coverings, making identification difficult.
With the busy holiday season about to begin, the timing could not be worse.
“My job means travelling between different parks, especially on changeover days,” he explained. “If I can’t get another bike before March, I’ll have to resign from my job I love.”
Although he has submitted an insurance claim, he says it will only cover outstanding finance and excess costs — leaving nothing towards a replacement. A recent house move and the financial impact of taking on full-time care have also affected his credit rating, making it difficult to secure new finance.
“I hate to ask for help,” he added. “But this would take a huge amount of stress and worry off our shoulders.”
He has now launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise £1,699 for a replacement motorbike so he can continue working and supporting his family.
To support his appeal, search for ‘Buy a new motorbike’ on GoFundMe.