Your view: Gavin Hayes

Our readers' comments on our story about Gavin Hayes and his trouble with teen tormentors:

I am sad to hear this. Gabby is my great-uncle and only one left on my grandad's side. He is too generous and kind for his own good and will help anyone. Love my uncle gabby very dearly and it's so good when he is mobile. It gives him his independence as he says and keeps him alive. If you ask where his family are, we are here some in Rotorua and some in Aussie but we are here. Maybe Uncle Gabby it's time now to come live with one of us. Uncle Gab has always been very independent and wanted to live on his own despite us trying to encourage him to come home with us. Thank you to everyone who is doing what they can for my uncle and I will too join in sorting him another car, your help is greatly appreciated love to you all for caring for what I know is an awesome man who has helped many many people in his life over the years. _ Rachael Kennedy

I read with horror the article on the front page and the view that Kelly Makiha wrote on page A6. I am sure that others within the community were also enraged that this could happen to a very vulnerable elderly gentleman, to the extent that he now wishes to die. Is it possible for a trust fund to be established to enable the public to donate money to ensure that he can obtain another car and at least obtain car insurance? I for one will be more than happy to donate towards his recovery. His faith in human nature must have been surely dented ... let's help him recover that and show him what Rotorua people can do.

How disgusting. That poor man, my heart breaks for him :( wish I could help, but I don't drive.

Poor old guy! What's wrong with kids these days!

Is this how you treat our elderly? Shame on you.  Wonder what it would be like if someone did the same thing to your grandparents. Just remember, you low lifes, that your grandparents and great-grandparents have done so much and this is how you repay them by treating elderly like this.

This is disgusting, how can people treat others like that, not to mention the elderly. I am speechless!

I'd be more than happy to give a donation.

Geeesh, youngsters never know the full impact of their actions, especially those that are crimes until it happens to them.

I feel for this old man and I hope the police catch the culprits and if not return his vehicle still intact and useable! I know, am asking for a miracle right?

I would donate my last $5 every week for this elderly man if there were such an account because what's happened to him saddens me deeply as he's lost the will to live along with his independence.

This makes my blood boil _ I remember the same type of useless, waste-of-air scumbags used to go around to my dad's house when he lived alone until I gave them ``what- for''. This type of crime is just as abhorrent as child abuse _ taking advantage of our vulnerable citizens. It's obvious our city has got some real deadbeats who are too lazy to get off their butts and earn or make do with their possessions like everyone else has to _ just sickening! And I don't think just car yards should step up _ I think we all should step up.

This story broke my heart. I wish I could donate some money to go towards a new car but that's not possible. Instead, I would love to donate my time. If Mr Hayes would like, I can drive him to where he wants to go, on Fridays, and the weekends. I am a Rotorua resident, living in Western Heights and would love to be of some help. I just hope he can gain some independence back, and I hope that other like-minded readers can do the same for him.

At least there are some people around who have a heart.

Good on the neighbours who are pitching in to help and keep a watchful eye on this gent.

Am happy to donate $100 to Gavin towards a new car. Anyone else? Let's have a whip-around and see how much we can pledge. The man deserves it.

This kind of thing just breaks my heart. We need to help our elderly. I will donate $200 towards a new car for Gavin. Our heart felt wishes go out to you mate :(

If you don't know your neighbour, get to know them. I did and we all watch each other like neighbourhood watch but just immediate neighbours. If there's an elderly person in your area that's alone, try reaching out to them make your presence known, that is if you intend to be there for them.