A FUNDRAISER has been launched after £3,000 worth of tools was stolen from a Stourport bricklayer.

Jonathan Bridgwater's van was targeted in an overnight raid last month, and the 32-year-old has had to borrow tools from friends to keep his livelihood going.

He runs is own business, J.L.B Brickwork, works seven days a week, and lives on Hanstone Road on the Walshes estate with his wife Kirsty and their three children.

Mr Bridgwater said he was "genuinely shocked" and angry when he discovered his van had been broken into on Monday, October 25.

He said: "I managed to continue. I lost a bit of time. I borrowed stuff straight away because I know a lot of good people.

"But mentally, that's what's got me the most. They stole my tools that took me years to collect."

Mrs Bridgwater started a Go Fund Me page to help keep her husband's business afloat and to replace the lost tools.

She said: "The money is all for his business and to go towards the tools that have been stolen.

"The van was parked at the back of our home. He woke up Monday morning to go to work and he came in and said all the tools had gone out of the van.

"I think it's happened to a couple of people on the estate in the space of a week. It seems to be happening a lot at the moment.

"He's still been working and running the business, but he's had to borrow tools. off friends. He's got that much work on he couldn't just not work."

Mr Bridgwater said he couldn't be more grateful to his wife for starting the fundraiser, and those who have provided tools.

People can donate to the fundraiser, which has raised nearly £300, here.