Thousands donated to replace stolen stables

Katrina Hesletine said donations to replace their stolen stables had come from all over the world

The owners of a smallholding targeted by thieves say they have been "totally overwhelmed" after receiving donations and support from around the world.

Sisters Katrina Heseltine and Michaela Midgley were left "heartbroken" when they discovered their stables had been stolen earlier this month.

Following the incident, a donations page set up to help replace the stolen structure and goods had raised nearly £2,500.

"The response has been amazing", Ms Heseltine said, "donations have been coming in from people we do not even know and as far [away] as America."

For the last five years Ms Heseltine and Ms Midgley's nine-acre plot of land, situated between Leeds and Bradford, has been home to a host of rescue sheep, horses and goats.

The sisters, who both work full time, said they had "sacrificed holidays, new cars and big houses" to provide for the animals.

"This is a head-free space where we can come and breathe and enjoy being outdoors, enjoy our animals and enjoy our passion," Ms Heseltine said.

A wet and muddy patch is all that remains of the sisters stables.

After discovering the 24 x 12ft (7 x 3.5m) stables had been stolen, Ms Heseltine said she was "in disbelief".

"They had broken access through a neighbouring farm and cut bolts off gates to gain access", she said.

The 40-year-old said "at least three or four people and a big enough vehicle" would have been needed to remove the structure.

She also believed they had been watched prior to the theft, saying the site was very private and had inconspicuous entrances.

"They have clearly known what they wanted and how they were going to do it," she said.

"It is worrying and unsettling."

Guttering had been damaged in the theft as well as fixtures and fittings in the smallholdings buildings.

As well as the stolen stables, damage to the property had also taken place.

"They have broken the bottom panels off the stables and left them.

"They have ripped the guttering off which was our main water supply - we have got no building now to collect water".

Fixtures, fittings and lighting were also damaged, with Ms Heseltine calculating the cost of repair at around £5,000.

With more than a hundred donations, the sisters have received almost £2,500 to help replace their stolen resources.

"We are ever so grateful", she added.

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