A delivery driver who had to leave her job after her car broke down was stunned when her loyal customers secretly raised thousands of pounds to buy her a new vehicle. Ann West, 59, has worked for Evri for two decades, serving residents in and around Shorne, Kent, for the past six years.
When her car broke down last month, she could not afford repairs or a replacement and made the difficult decision to resign. Unbeknownst to Ann, who also cares for her two granddaughters aged 8 and 14, her grateful customers had hatched a plan to raise money to get her back on the road.
Fundraiser Launched and Quickly Surpasses Goal
The fundraising page, called “Ann’s community car fund,” was set up on June 9. Within three days, it had already reached over £1,500. As of today, 85 people have donated, bringing the total to £3,620. This week, Ann was reunited with some of the community members who contributed, and the funds were transferred into her account.
Reacting to the surprise fundraiser, Ann said: “I was really shocked, and it brought a little tear to my eye. It was definitely a surprise – a nice surprise. When they got me on a group call to say that they had a ‘little something’ for me, I was shocked that they had raised money for a car.”
Community Rallies After Driver's Departure
Ann had explained her situation to Shorne resident Nigel Miller, 35, on her last day at work. He then posted in the local community group: “Does anyone fancy a whip-round to help?” Residents of Pear Tree Road exchanged messages about Ann’s absence and voted to donate. Nigel said: “And that’s where it started.”
Andrew Karim, who lives in Shorne and runs green technology firm Active Kinetic 1, set up the online fundraising page so everyone could contribute. He said: “It’s brought our community together and made us a lot closer. All the voting, conversations and making it happen.”
Driver Overjoyed to Return to Work
After being told about the funds for a new car, Ann contacted her Evri field manager, who confirmed she could have her round back – much to her relief. She said: “I couldn’t afford to hire a car any longer, I did hire a car for a week but then that was nearly £300 just for four or five days. And I couldn’t really afford to get another car. So, there was nothing I could do. You need a car to do the delivery. So I had to say, sorry I’ve got to go.”
The group said they were mindful that if Ann did not want her round back, she could use the funds for other means. However, the grandmother is keener than ever to return to work and continue serving the local community.
Community Spirit and Broader Impact
Nova Molloy, who also contributed, said: “I think it shows what an impact Ann made. It was nice to give back because times are tough for everybody – but it’s nice to do something and to actually see an impact.” Nigel added: “Ann supports the community and it’s nice when the community can support her. It shows the power of that. But she is a lovely lady, she really is. She’s not just someone that throws a parcel at you and walks away. She’s always there in all weathers, weekends, whatever, and you can’t help but get to know her.”
Those behind the crowdfunding hope this story will inspire others to help members of their community who might face similar hardships. Once Ann purchases the car, she hopes to be back on the road by the end of the month.
