Travel for autistic boy saved after donations

Corrina McEwan, from the Mackenzie Thorpe Centre school, centre, says the donation is "overwhelming"

A school which could not provide an autistic boy with education after his "lifeline" minibus was destroyed in a break-in says it is overwhelmed by donations to help him travel again.

The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre school in South Bank, Middlesbrough, had its £50,000 minibus targeted by a thief on 19 July.

The Ford Tourneo van was stripped of its parts, causing £16,000 worth of damage.

But the centre, run by the North East Autism Society (NEAS), said the donations meant its 12-year-old pupil Caleb could continue to be taken to and from school.

The van, which had its bonnet, engine and tyres stolen during the break-in, was used to take Caleb on trips to local attractions, leisure facilities and parks.

The school's interim principal Corrina McEwan said thanks to the "magnificent community response", Caleb could continue learning.

The money, which includes a £10,000 donation from The Teesside Family Foundation, will go towards leasing a replacement vehicle for him until a permanent replacement is ready.

She said: "We are incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity shown to us. We were devastated by what happened, but this means there will be limited disruption."

Corrina McEwan, from the Mackenzie Thorpe Centre school, said to steal from a charity that was a lifeline for so many was disheartening

Caleb's mum Sarah Bowman said the donation had helped "restore my faith in human nature".

"They accepted Caleb when he was expelled from a different special needs school because of his extreme challenging behaviour, offering a more 'bespoke' community school environment, and this bus is his lifeline in accessing activities – it is his safe space," she said.

The school, which is named after Middlesbrough-born artist Mackenzie Thorpe, provides specialist education and care for autistic and neurodivergent children and adults across the region.

Tony Wedlake, from the volunteer-run Teesside Family Foundation, said: "As well as helping the school and NEAS, it is also a way of acknowledging the fantastic support Mackenzie Thorpe has given the foundation over the years."

The foundation provides free holidays to families and specialist equipment for disabled children.

A further £1,500 was donated by the Wainstones Hotel, at Great Broughton, while additional public donations were made through a GoFundMe appeal.

Cleveland Police said it was still investigating and urged anyone with information to contact the force.