A MUM of three is overwhelmed with support from the local community following a burglary at her business in Barry.
Soraya’s cocktail bar and restaurant were broken into on Friday, August 28, as thieves stole money and alcohol, leaving thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Soraya McDonell, owner of Soraya’s cocktail bar and a night nursing manager at Willowbrook House, was at breaking point following the break-in and considered closing her business.
She said: “I am absolutely devastated, I haven’t slept, and I feel like a broken woman. Overall, they have caused two and half thousand pounds worth of damage to the window, stock, and glass door I feel sick.
Soraya and her youngest children Jaxon (L) and Harper (R). Picture: Soraya McDonnell
“It was like my home; I would be here nine hours a day every day, but I don’t feel safe anymore and I don’t want to be here at the bar.
“My seven-year-old daughter, Harper, doesn’t feel safe to be here since it happened, and she is worried about going back to school and leaving me at the bar.”
The community and local businesses in the area rallied around Soraya and her business, with the manager of Loaded Dice, on Holton Road, donating money towards repairs or sending gifts.
Ms McDonell also mum to Jaxon, three and Ayver, 13 told Barry and District News that if it wasn’t for the love and support from the community, she would have closed the business.
She added: “The local community kept it alive; I admit I was close to closing but I am only staying open because of the support from the community.
Several hundred pounds worth of damage was caused to the business following the break-in on Friday. Picture: Soraya's cocktail and desserts
“A small business put £50 behind the bar, and somebody gave me £100 as well as a bottle of vodka I couldn’t believe it.”
Soraya’s cocktail bar opened two years ago in Barry on Saturday, August 28, 2021, and was due to celebrate its second anniversary before the break-in.
She added: “We honestly can’t thank the local community enough and following the arrest I am glad we stayed open to celebrate our 2nd birthday with DJ James hosting a free party for us.”
South Wales Police confirmed the arrest of a 48-year man as part of an investigation into break-in.
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