A YOUNG mum whose purse was stolen from a bus last week has thanked a grandfather for his “life-saving generosity” after he offered to give her £200.

Ashley Hayes was left heartbroken last Tuesday when her blue and white striped purse was stolen from the No 8 First bus when she left it on the seat.

It contained £300 and milk tokens for her five-month-old baby Elizabeth — but despite an appeal in The Bolton News, it has not been handed in.

The good Samaritan, who asked not to be named, said he felt compelled to help the 18-year-old, who said that she would struggle to feed her daughter Elizabeth without the money because she needs special milk.

Miss Hayes said: “I am completely speechless. It restores my faith back in society that there are some good people still in the world.

“I have had a lot of people say that I deserved having it stolen, which was really upsetting — especially as I have a five-month-old daughter to feed.

“She has a really bad reflux problem and her special milk costs me about £22 a week.

“This money is life-changing for me. It feels like Christmas. I can put food on the table and get some more electricity.

"I can get my life back together thanks to this man’s generosity. Thank you so much.”

The donor said: “I have read a number of stories like this before but for some reason this one called out to me.

"This poor young girl and her baby needed help. I have 10 grandchildren and it could have been any one of them who this happened to.

“The fact that her purse was stolen is an unfortunate sign of the times. When I was younger it would have been handed in — no one would have dreamed about taking it.

“I just hope the money will help get them back on track.”