AFTER reading the story in last week’s Gazette about 11-year-old Thomas Sutterby, who sold his iPad to buy food for the homeless, a disabled man decided to give something back to the generous youngster.

Neil Martin, of Oldfield Road, Westbury, suffers from muscular dystrophy and was so touched by Thomas’ story that straight after reading our article he forked out £350 to buy him a new Apple tablet in time for Christmas.

Thomas, who suffers from ADHD and dyslexia, recently sold his iPad and used the money to buy food to give to Unity House, a homeless shelter in Chippenham.

The 52-year-old invited Thomas and his mum, Sarah Pullinger, of Charlotte Court, Calne, to collect the gift on Friday.

Mr Martin said to him: “When I saw what you had done, I just knew I had to give something back. Buying you a new iPad seemed like the right thing. It was the least I can do.

“You are an incredibly kind boy and deserve this.

“I used to do voluntary work for the homeless when I was 16, so to see you doing it at 11 is really amazing to see and makes me happy.

“With homeless people you can never tell what their situation is, so to see you helping them is really great.

“We recently donated £500 to a family that needs the help after they were nominated to us.”

Thomas said: “I’m speechless. Thank you so much.

“I do think there needs to be more homeless shelters around as otherwise they have nowhere to go.

“It’s also better to give food than money because they might spend it on something else, like drugs or alcohol.

“I’m excited to have a new iPad. I like to watch games and watch YouTube videos on it.”

His mum added: “Thomas has such a kind heart, and I do tell everyone that.

“We’ve all been helped in the past, I know I have, so it is really lovely to be able to give back to others.

“I’m a Christian so believe it is up to us to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

“It’s great to see that you don’t let your disability define you, Neil, I tell Thomas to do that.”

Mr Martin was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was in his 20s. He has been in an electric wheelchair for more than 10 years and says it is ‘a part of him now’.

Thomas’ selfless donation didn’t just touch his heart but also those of the staff at Unity House.

Service manager Naomi Webb said: “This act of generosity and compassion has touched the hearts of residents and staff.

“To see a person so young making such a selfless contribution to people in need gives us hope for our future generations.

“Thank you Tom, your donations have contributed to such a vital lifeline for our residents.”

Thomas said that he plans to continue giving food to the homeless across Wiltshire.