A FRAIL pensioner who was attacked and robbed of £80 in her own home has been given a gift by kind-hearted traders.

Their £80 gesture has helped restore Mrs Ivy Bleakley's faith in human nature after two men forced their way into her Whitefield flat (as reported in last week's Bury Times).

The frail 86-year-old was held down by one of the thugs while the other searched the property.

Recalling the attack, Mrs Bleakley, whose handbag was also stolen, said: "I have a pacemaker and I was praying that he wouldn't lean on it."

Widow Mrs Bleakley lives with her son Henry (49) who was also overpowered by the men. Members of Bolton Street Business Club in Bury were appalled after reading about Mrs Bleakley's ordeal and decided to use their funds to help put things right.

So three club representatives visited her on Tuesday to present the £80 in cash and a bouquet of flowers.

Mrs Bleakley said: "I wouldn't like to go through it again but the money and the flowers have really cheered me up. It's nice to know that there are some people sticking up for me."

Business club member Stewart Sivvery said: "It is terrible to hear about things like this. Imagine how bad you would feel if this happened to your mother? It must have been extremely distressing. These people really do need to be caught."

The traders have promised to improve security at her flat.

One of the attackers was in his 20s, 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build with fair, tight curly hair and a pale complexion. He was wearing a blue coat.

The second man was about the same age, 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a dark baseball cap and a light grey and blue striped top.

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