The owner of AG Motors automotive repair shop has agreed to fix a homeless charity's vandalised van free of charge from their unit in Papworth Everard  in a show of "unparalleled generosity."

Aaron Ginn saw online that The 3 Pillars - Feeding the homeless Trust's van was stripped and robbed of its parts, making it undrivable and hindering the service the charity could provide to homeless people in St Neots, Huntingdon and Peterborough.

It was the second time the van had been vandalised in 2022 when it was stripped again in November, and Mr Ginn was compelled to help.

"I couldn't believe what I was reading," said Mr Ginn

"A charity van that drives around giving homeless people sleeping bags, food and various other things, and someone's robbed it of the doors, electrical components and more; I couldn't get my head around it.

"So I thought, 'I'm just going to rebuild it for them'.

"We've got our work cut out, but once I get something in my head and I say I'm going to do it, I won't let it beat me."

AG Motors will start work repairing the van soon, which Mr Ginn said should take a couple of weeks once the correct parts are acquired. 

The sort of damage rendered to the vehicle would ordinarily be priced at "thousands and thousands" of pounds to repair, but rather than donate a new van, Mr Ginn said he wanted to offer the more "meaningful" and "valuable" gift of his time.

The Hunts Post: Both the doors, the radiator, the side door and the font had been stripped from the van.Both the doors, the radiator, the side door and the font had been stripped from the van. (Image: Ged Dempsey)

Ged Dempsey, one of the founders of the 3 Pillars charity, said: "There's a lovely quote from Mother Teresa which says, 'there are a lot of good people in the world, but if you can't find them then just be one'; and he is one.

"What a generous thing for that chap to do."

The 3 Pillars charity has been running for more than six years and feeds and supports the homeless and most vulnerable people, delivering more than 500 food parcels weekly in St Neots.

Forced to use a smaller van, the charity has been more restricted but has had "massive support" from the community since news of the van's demise broke, including more than £5,000 worth of donations.

"Perversely enough, it's really helped the charity," Ged added.

Once the van is fixed, the 3 Pillars will be able to maximise the help it can give, and Mr Ginn has offered to service it for free in the future so it can continually help those in need.