A CHARITY left devastated after burglars stole more than £1,000-worth of tools has been “humbled” by donations to help it get back on its feet.

Aspire in Osney Lane was raided overnight between Monday and Tuesday and took equipment including hedge trimmers, bush cutters and power units.

The equipment was used to help people develop skills to find employment by doing tasks like grounds maintenance, with money made being pumped back into the charity.

Aspire chief operating officer for employment and partnerships Paul Roberts appealed for people to help replace the equipment.

Recruitment agency Allen Associates – which sponsors the OX5 run – is among those to have donated.

Mr Roberts said: “I am humbled by the response.

“There has been a lot of activity on Facebook and the silver lining to all of this is that it has raised the profile of our work.

“There has been a lot of goodwill towards us which has been something nice.”

Mr Roberts said individuals had also offered donations in addition to Allen Associates and they had been offered support by another business.

He added: “It is a good start but by no means enough yet to replace all the equipment.”