Mitchell bounces back
January 29, 2008
KIND-hearted people have helped a young Basingstoke motocross rider bounce back to victory following the theft of two prized bikes.
Mitchell Bligh was named Champion of the Big-Wheel 85cc and Young Rider of the Year for the Hants and Dorset Youth Motocross Club, despite having his two Suzuki bikes stolen mid-season.
Last June, The Gazette reported how Mitchell was devastated when the bikes, which were worth about £7,000, were taken from his father's van, in the drive of their Lychpit home.
They were stolen just days before he was due to ride in a national semi-final meeting, and the theft meant he had to participate on an unfamiliar bike. He missed out on a qualifying place in the final by just one place.
The Year 8 Costello Technology College pupil, who began riding four years ago, said: "It did put my confidence down a bit, because I felt that I would have made the final on my own bike."
Despite being very distinctive, Mitchell's bikes were never found and his family appealed for sponsors to help to buy a new bike.
Luckily, staff at The Cromwell Inn, in Great Binfields Road, Lychpit, read about Mitchell's plight and raised £1,430 for him through a variety of sponsored events.
Mitchell's father Paul, 43, said: "They just contacted me out of the blue and said we've read the article - we'll see what we can do'."
His mother Tracy said: "Everyone pulled out all of the stops to help us - it was amazing.
"You know there are scumbags out there, but you don't realise how many nice people there are."
Mitchell, who is 13, also received sponsorship from Farlei Freight, in Portsmouth.
He said: "Once my new bike was adjusted for me, it was wicked. Winning the championship was a big achievement and I feel like I'm back on track now."
Mitchell now rides a 125cc bike and is looking forward to the new season, which begins in February.
Source The Gazette
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