GOOD NEWS: Tom Potts gets back on the road

The sad story had a happy ending yesterday thanks to the amazing generosity of Warwick businessman Andrew Williams.

SADDLE UP: Tommy Potts is over the moon with his new bike, thanks to a great deed by Elders Real Estate's Andrew Williams. Picture: Jonno Colfs

AFTER discovering his beloved bike and main source of transport had been stolen last week, Tom Potts was left devastated, but the outpouring of support from the Warwick community has helped to ease his pain.

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Yesterday however, the sad story had a happy ending as Tom took delivery of a brand new bike, thanks to the generosity of local businessman Andrew Williams.

Warwick's Elders Real Estate boss Mr Williams first saw of Tom's loss on social media.

"We first came to Warwick about 15 years ago, and I've known Tom most of that time," he said.

"Anyone who knows Tom will know of his love for auctioneering and every time we advertise an auction Tom has just got to be involved, he won't take no for an answer."

After reading about the disappearance of the bike, Mr Williams was spurred to action.

"I had a quick chat to my wife Rachel, and gave a Tom a call," he said.

"He was very upset and I said 'mate, don't worry about it, we'll get you a bike'.

"Tommy's a great bloke and it was as simple as wanting to do something nice to help him out."

Mr Williams said Tom had been specific and true to form when asked what sort of bike he wanted.

"He said he didn't want a crap one," he said.

The bike was bought from Bennett Page in Toowoomba and when they heard Tom's story they pitched in, throwing in a basket, stand and trip computer.

It was a mixture of emotions from Tom yesterday as Mr Williams dropped off a gleaming new Giant GX28.

"I'm happy and sad," he said.

"Sad my bike is still missing but happy that Andrew has bought me a new one.

"Thanks so much to Andrew and Rachel, and to Big W as well.

"I really want to thank everyone, I've been overwhelmed by all of the phone calls, and people wanting to give me money and bikes.

"Even people down the street were offering to help.

"And thanks so much to Cowboy and Alan for giving me their second hand bikes."

The Warwick Big W store came the rescue when they heard of Tom's plight.

Manager Craig Girle said ex-employee Robyn Knight had come in and was talking about Tom's loss.

"She mentioned she was going to raise some money to get Tom a new bike," he said.

"I said I'd be happy to give Tom our best men's mountain bike.

"Tom actually came in the next day and thanked me for the offer, but mentioned his friend had organised to get him one.

"He was in the shop to buy a helmet and a drink bottle, which had also been stolen, so we took him around and gave me all that stuff to get him on the road again.

"It's great to see it's all been resolved in the best possible way."

It's also reported that Big W also gave Tom some brand new handkerchiefs.

"I needed them, I was a little bit teary," Tom said.