AN ELDERLY man says he cannot thank people enough for their “wonderful” donations after a crowdfunding appeal raised more than £2,000 after he was conned by cowboy builders.

Frank Nero, of Eccleshill, was targeted by the conmen who told him his roof needed repairing, charging him £2,500 for the work before disappearing, leaving a section of it damaged and exposed to the elements.

The 87-year-old, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy because he is “full of cancer” said, due to his illness and the treatment, and the fact his wife Doreen is currently in respite care for dementia, he “didn’t have the wherewithal” to turn him away, and “fell into their trap”.

As well as ripping him off for roof repairs, the conmen also followed him in his house to see where he kept his savings, before stealing thousands more when he wasn’t looking.

But after hearing the news, Mr Nero’s neighbour Andrew Chilton set up an online crowdfunding appeal to reimburse Mr Nero, which managed to raise £2,311. Mr Nero said: “It is very generous and it is a wonderful gesture. Those people stole from me are heartless, yet there are a lot more people big hearts. It has restored my spirits a little, and this money has helped to build my confidence back up and made a lot of the worry go away. I cannot thank those who donated enough, money has come from people I know and people I have never met, it has been wonderful to see, and I know the people who stole from me will get caught in the end.”

The final donation to the campaign - of £1,000 - came from an anonymous source, which took the campaign to 85 per cent of its original target.

Mr Chilton said: “The community has really come together and have contributed very generously. This is an overwhelming response and demonstrates that the community truly does comprise of a weighty majority of good people versus the minority of low-life types out there who were prepared to take this lovely couple’s money in the first place.”

Detective Sergeant Steve Wedge, of Bradford District CID, said: “This was a despicable crime against a vulnerable member of the public and I would urge anyone who may have information about the suspects or the van they were using to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact Bradford District CID, quoting crime reference 13170346669.

Detective Sergeant Steve Wedge, of Bradford District CID, said: “This was a despicable crime against a vulnerable member of the public and I would urge anyone who may have information about the suspects or the van they were using to come forward.

“We have been working closely with the victim to provide him with reassurance and assistance with crime prevention and are continuing enquiries to establish if others have also been targeted.

“We would advise people to keep their doors and windows locked when answering the door to anyone they are not expecting.

“Genuine callers should carry some form of identification and will not mind waiting while you check their details.

“If you are still not sure, do not let them in and report it to the police on the 101 non-emergency number.”

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation has been urged to contact Bradford District CID, quoting crime reference 13170346669.