A heart-warming story of community spirit unfolded at Salt Bakehouse after a bakery boss was reunited with his stolen bike thanks to the power of social media and a few determined strangers.
Steve Wilson-Fforde, who runs the white van bakery sales for Salt Bakehouse, was devastated when his handmade bike was stolen overnight from the bakery’s headquarters on Slad Road. The loss hit hard – the bike wasn’t just a mode of transport, but something he deeply cherished.
Determined to help, the bakery launched a social media campaign to track it down. The appeal quickly gained traction, with sightings reported in Gloucester. Although initial attempts by the bakery team to retrieve it were unsuccessful, hope wasn’t lost.
Then came an unexpected message.
A kind-hearted stranger named Amiee had spotted the bike in Gloucester, recognised it from the online posts, and managed to negotiate its return for just £20. To make matters even better, another couple who were aware of the story helped transport the bike back from Gloucester to Brimcombe – reuniting Steve with his treasured possession.
Bakery owner Dom Salter shared the team’s joy, describing the moment they received Amiee’s message as “unbelievable.” What had seemed like a lost cause quickly turned into a celebration of kindness and community.
Dom said: “After being spotted a number of times in Gloucester, a couple of our chaps went over to try and find it—but unfortunately came back empty-handed. We thought, ‘This is it… it’s gone.’ But then an unbelievable message came through from our new friend Amiee: ‘We have bought your bike back.’
“They had found it and managed to strike a deal for just £20. Even more incredible, another couple who were there knew about the bike and offered to bring it back from Gloucester to Brimcombe, where our lovely Steve has now been reunited with it!
“We are absolutely over the moon and can’t thank everyone enough. Amiee — you are now a very special part of the SALT family and we can’t wait to meet you. And to the amazing couple who brought it back — same goes for you.
“The power of good people has truly restored our faith in the world. Thanks, everyone – for all the lovely messages, support, and concern. You’re all so kind, and we love you.”
Reunited with his bike, Steve told Stroud Times: “What an amazing result- all thanks to the goodness of people and the power of social media! I built the bike back in 2008, and it has been rebuilt and upgraded over the years, so it’s been with me for 18 years now. It’s so unique and personal to me that losing it felt like losing an old friend. I am completely overwhelmed by the power of people to do the right thing- it truly restores your faith in humanity.”
