MANY people can feel sorry for someone but it takes a special person to go out of their way to make that someone else feel better.Serial philanthropist Basil Earrye, 85, who lives in south-west Ipswich, just can't stop himself from helping others in need.

MANY people can feel sorry for someone but it takes a special person to go out of their way to make that someone else feel better.

Serial philanthropist Basil Earrye, 85, who lives in south-west Ipswich, just can't stop himself from helping others in need.

As a loyal Star reader he has read many sad stories of loss and despair which would pull on anyone's heart strings, but on several occasions over the years Mr Earrye has felt compelled to put his hand in his own pockets and give to others.

Ryan Hassell, 12, was left devastated after thieves stole his blue GT BMX from a shed in the garden of his home in Landseer Road, Ipswich, just a week before Christmas.

Ryan's family were desperate to track down the bike and his mum, Anne Bloomer, offered a £50 reward in the Star for its safe return.

Mr Earrye, who reads the Star every day, said: “I just felt sorry for the little boy and I wanted to do something for him so I gave him the money to get himself another bike.

“I enjoyed giving the money to him and they were so pleased they came up to see me and gave me a lovely thank you card.”

The donation for Ryan's bike is not the first time Mr Earrye has shown his generosity and kindness.

Several years ago he bought Terri Calvesbert a new teddy bear after she suffered terrible burns.

Shortly afterwards he bought a woman a walking stick after hers was stolen by thieves.

Ryan's mum, Anne Bloomer, said: “He's a lovely man. I was offering a reward for information but he contacted me the day after it went in the Star; he just phoned up and said he was really sad when he read the story and that he would like to give Ryan a donation towards a new bike.

“Because the man was elderly Ryan was a bit concerned taking money from him but after we realised Mr Earrye was happy to give Ryan the money for the bike we were pleased to accept it.”

Ryan was over the moon to be able to order exactly the same bike from Action Bikes, in Ipswich, and thanks to Mr Earrye's generosity is now waiting for its arrival.

Miss Bloomer said: “Ryan is overwhelmed by it all; he can't believe it.”

Miss Bloomer said Ryan plans to stay in touch with Mr Earrye and will write to him from time to time.

She said: “It was such a lovely thing to do.”

Has your life been touched by someone else's kindness? Have you been the victim of crime?

Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

A PHILANTHROPIST is someone who donates his or her time, money, and reputation to charitable causes. The term may apply to any volunteer or to anyone who makes a donation.

Famous philanthropists include: Bono, lead singer of U2, co-founder of the One Campaign for the abolition of AIDS and poverty in Africa.

Angelina Jolie, the American actress well known for her humanitarianism, is a good will ambassador for the UN refugee agency.

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates has given away millions of dollars for relief work in Africa.