Community rallies round couple after raid on their Chorley shop

A fund raising campaign has been launched for a coronavirus key worker couple whose vital corner shop was smashed into during a raid.
Graham and Susan MakinsonGraham and Susan Makinson
Graham and Susan Makinson

Makinson’s superstore on Devonshire Road, Chorley, was robbed of ‘high value’ items.

The mindless raiders damaged the shop shutter and smashed the front window.

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Now the local community the shop - run by Susan and Graham Makinson - serves has rallied round in an act of defiant support for the hard working couple.

An online gofundme page for the Makinsons, seeking to raise £1,000 to cover the cost of the break in, has been set up.

It had already raised more than £700 as of yesterday.

Susan, 66, said she was taken aback by the funding gesture and said the money would go to good use.

“That’s something we hadn’t expected,” she said.

“The damage is the hardest part. It’s the inconvenience and hard work of getting it all done.”

The couple have been at the convenience store since 1982.

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“We’ve always delivered to the elderly - we’re very busy with deliveries which is good because that’s supporting our business as well,” said Susan.

Susan and 65-year-old husband were alerted to the raid by police at 1.10am on Friday.

“They’ve wrecked the shutters and smashed the window,” she said. “They’ve taken spirits, scratch cards and tobacco. I don’t think they’ve been in long.”

Susan thanked folk for their support in the wake of the raid.

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“Family, friends, customers and also the police because they’ve been brilliant,” she said.

For Graham it’s another blow after he was robbed at the cash and carry in November.

Scott Parker set up the fund raising campaign entitled ‘Help the Makinsons help the community’.

It says: “The Makinsons are passionate about supporting the community at their time of need.

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“Over the years they have made thousands of deliveries to the sick and elderly right across Chorley. Susan and Graham are trusted by the most vulnerable in society because they have proven time and time again that they care.”

It adds: “They are key workers on the frontline against coronavirus, delivering goods to more elderly customers than ever before whilst also putting their own health at risk by opening the shop for the community.

“Having given so much for such a long time, we are aiming to make enough money to pay for the expenses involved and show Susan and Graham that we stand with them when they are standing with us.”