If you keep an eye on local Reading-based indie businesses, chances are you've met Davy, the Wolseley Street Baker. From running the kitchen over at The Lido, Davy set up his own business from his home kitchen with one mission - to bring a little taste of real France to the residents of Reading.

Since setting up, Davy has poured his heart into his craft, working night and day to bring his delicious cakes and pastries to Reading's foodie events, to create showstopping birthday cakes (along with his talented artist partner Romi) and even to supply some of the other fabulous indie venues in town. If you've had coffee at Shed, The Biscuit Factory or Fidget and Bob, you've definitely been tempted by his work.

Just as we entered our first lockdown, Davy created the magnificent 'Boîte Surprise' - a mystery box full of french treats for £15, which for many, was the highlight of their week. Davy worked with various other local chefs to create unique boxes that really showcased their skills, putting many on the Reading Indie food map.

During the lockdowns, when there were huge panic-buy scarcities of basic baking ingredients, Davy sold bags of flour, sugar, eggs and butter all at cost-price, to help the community and keep people occupied. When times recovered, he gave free talks at the community gardens to help encourage people to grow their own food.

He's really a wonderful pillar of the community, a generous, kind human. One of Reading's finest.

In June, Davy was able to level up his business by taking over the coffee van which sits outside Tilehurst train station. He supplied early morning commuters with his pastries and breads, as well as the all important coffee - utilising yet another Reading favourite - The Anonymous Coffee Co. He upcycled the old van and made it a joyful sight to anyone in need, and it was settling in fabulously.

But this weekend, the beautiful van was broken into. The thugs smashed their way through the serving hatch, ripping up and destroying the side of it, and they stole the cash float from the van. Not only did they cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage, they damage caused the van to lose takings in closures whilst it is repaired. It is beyond belief how someone could do this, to what is clearly such a beloved local van.

Davy is such a wonderful proud man, and would never ask for help, especially not this time of year. However, he has brought so much joy to us for so long that we cannot stand by and watch him suffer these repairs alone.

We have created this justgiving page to ask the local community to spare what they can to help Davy to repair the van, and furthermore, to help to increase the security on the van to prevent this from happening again. It needs fortifying, and if you've ever been fortified by one of Davy's treats, please consider donating something small towards the repair so that the van can get back to doing what it does best, serving up great coffee and great pastries. Even if it's just the price of the coffee you might have bought this morning, will help, and if you'd like to help but need a tasty incentive, you could buy Davy's Christmas Survival Box:

- Your purchase right now will mean so much.

Thank you so much for reading, Reading. Even just a share out to your networks would be so appreciated. Naturally Davy has no idea we're doing this and would be mortified - so sorry Davy, but it's time to let someone help you for a change!

**If anyone has any information regarding the burglary, please contact the British Transport Police**