By Ursula Duddy
Reporter

A seven year-old Galliagh boy who had his Christmas bike stolen two years in a row has been given a big surprise from a big-hearted Derry businessman.
The Derry News reported on Thursday how Caoimhin McClintock had asked Santa for a new bike after the one he received last Christmas was stolen.
However, only having been out on his new bike a couple of times, Caoimhin was left heartbroken when it was stolen from outside his friend’s house after he had gone inside for only a matter of minutes.
Now, in a heart-warming gesture, Martin Clifford, proprietor of Manor Mouldings, contacted the Derry News in an effort to make young Caoimhin smile again.
“I would give donations to charity throughout the year but when I saw this story it just struck really close to home,” he said.
“I have three kids myself and I know how excited they get on the build-up to Christmas and for that wee boy to have what he really wanted off Santa stolen before he even had a chance to enjoy it was just terrible.”
Mr Clifford said as soon as he saw the picture of little Caoimhin looking so down-hearted he made his mind up to replace the bike.
“I just thought it was the right thing to do,” he said.
“I would still appeal to people, though, to look out for the stolen bike and maybe they could hand it into some charity so some other child could get use out of it.”
Caoimhin’s mother, Caroline said that she was touched by Mr Clifford’s kindness and generosity.
“I’m just so overwhelmed,” she said.
“I can’t believe how generous he has been, I’m really delighted and very, very grateful.”
She added: “Caoimhin is just over the moon with his new bike, he will not be able to stop smiling.
“I’m delighted and so thankful that there has been such a happy ending to this for Caoimhin.”