Friends and relatives have raised more than £1,000 for a driver after he was attacked and had his van stolen on a delivery round in Leicestershire.
Wellwishers have chipped in after Matt Hewett, who runs his own vegetable home delivery business, was ambushed by two men at 4am on his round in Leicester Road, Glenfield, last Friday.
Matt, of Clarendon Park, Leicester, was left battered and bruised after he jumped onto the bonnet to try to stop the thieves taking his van.
The 27-year-old, who runs Wonky Veg Boxes, was attacked as he walked back to his black Vauxhall Vivaro van after delivering a box of vegetables to a house.
The thieves got away with his van, his mobile phone, his laptop and an amount of cash.
Matt's girlfriend Carmel Ashberry-Quinn and her cousin Sinead Quinn have set up an online appeal to help him make up the loss.
By today, the fund had raised more than £1,400.
Read moreCrime gang bringing deadly military guns into Leicestershire jailed for 110 years
Carmel said: "Friends and family of Matt are now trying to raise money to stabilise his business and restore his faith in humanity.
"We are raising money for Matt's business which dedicates its time to saving unwanted vegetables from being discarded due to the aesthetic requirements of supermarkets.
"Matt's business - Wonky Veg - delivers vegetables to your door, donates 10 per cent of its produce to foodbanks and charities, and aims for an absolutely efficient, environmentally conscious system of food supply.
"We hope to support Matt through this funding page so that he can continue his awesome efforts to save vegetables, donate to charities, and help to reduce waste."
Read moreShocking CCTV footage shows moped thugs rob woman outside New Parks social club
Matt said he had no idea his girlfriend was going to set up the site.
He said: "I am not one to ask for any kind of hand-outs or charity but the response to this has been amazing. It was quite an upsetting incident and I have lost a lot.
"It will take some getting back to where I was before the theft but I am determined to start again as soon as I can. I am not going to let these thieves beat me.
"The wonderful messages of support I have received on social media and that fact that so many lovely people have given money to help me has inspired me."
A police spokesperson said they are continuing to investigate the incident.
She said: "If anyone has any information about the theft they should call us on 101."