Ealing's gift to kids who lost bikes in the riots

Dec 22 2011 By Michael Russell

Bicycle donation to two girls who lost their bikes during the Ealing riots. L-R Sukiran Khurmy 16, pop performer Junai Kaden, Simmi Khurmy 12.

A FAMILY whose lives were torn apart by the riots had their Christmas brightened by generous residents whose donations have bought them new bikes.

The gifts were presented to Kiran Khurmy, 16, and her 12-year-old sister Simmi by one of their favourite stars of the Bhangra music scene Junai Kaden.

But it came in the same week their parents Amrit and Ravi Khurmy suffered another blow as insurers AXA rejected their claim which would have enabled them to rebuild their business.

The couple use to run the Ealing Green local Supermarket which was torched by looters in August.

Amrit Khurmy, said: "The girls were really happy with the bikes and delighted to meet Junai Kaden. We were feeling really bad as we had to forget Christmas presents this year, we can't afford to put food on the table. We've run out of money.

"We know we're under-insured but they've rejected our policy over silly things, signage and things like that. We had a claim about after a break-in about a year ago and they paid out then. We're going to challenge them but it's going to take time.

"We were just trying to provide for our children and a service to the community. It's heart-breaking."

But AXA described them as "dramatically" underinsured with only enough to cover a tenth of the £250,000 claim.

Claims and underwriting director David Williams said he could not go into personal details but said their investigations had discovered many problems which meant the company cannot pay out.

He added: "We paid a claim previously but it was small. The amount of investigation we do depends on the size of the claim and we didn't discover these issues before.

"We knew from pretty early on there was something wrong with this claim and wanted to investigate fully before we gave an answer, that's why it took as long as it did."

He pointed out the Khurmys still have the option of applying to the Metropolitan Police for compensation.

The Khurmys are left waiting and wondering when they will be able to rebuild their lives. But did have another piece of good news with the council offering a temporary lease on a shop in Bond Street near their old shop.

Mrs Khurmy said: "We just want somewhere we can start trading again and earning a living. These past four months have been horrible."

Council leader Julian Bell said: "The money for the bikes came from the Ealing Mayor's riot victims fund. The girls bikes were destroyed and we thought replacing them is exactly the kind of thing the fund should be used for. They were delighted, beaming. It's a gift from the whole community."

It is the first payment to be made from the fund, also known as the Richard Mannington Bowes Fund in memory of the man who died in the Ealing riots.