Hospice van stolen in Oldham found in Rochdale

Andy Littlewood discovered the Dr Kershaw's van this morning

A hospice van which was stolen in Oldham has been recovered in Rochdale.

The white Ford Transit van with Dr Kershaw’s Hospice branding was stolen from the Hospice grounds in Royton by two men shortly before 8pm on Tuesday 2 October.

However, the van was quickly located the morning after in Lower Falinge Rochdale by resident and former election candidate, Andy Littlewood.

Andy said: “I’d seen the appeal online and like most had thought the culprits were scumbags.

“I didn’t expect to see it outside my home. I saw the logo and went closer for a look, and saw it was the same registration, which I really didn’t expect.

“A guy from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing came out and asked if it was the same van, so he rang the police whilst I rang the hospice.

“I believe it was donated, so I’m really glad it’s been recovered as it’s sick to steal from any hospice.

“I’m happy things have turned out well, hopefully there isn’t much damage and the culprits will be caught and have the book thrown at them.”

The van was donated to Dr Kershaw's Hospice by OMC Ford (Oldham).

A spokesperson for Dr Kershaw’s said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Andy Littlewood who phoned the hospice to report that he had found our van after seeing our social media post.”