The mother of a severely disabled six-year-old girl has issued a desperate plea after thieves stole her daughter's vital, specialist wheelchair just days before Christmas, leaving the child unable to lead a normal life.
A Cruel Theft in Braunstone Town
Emily Riley-Dolan, from Leicestershire, has spina bifida and is paralysed from the chest down, relying entirely on her wheelchair for mobility. The customised chair, valued at approximately £4,000, was inside the family's grey Peugeot 5008 when the vehicle was stolen from outside their home on Woodland Drive in Braunstone Town.
Leicestershire Police said the car, registration FH25 XZU, was taken in the early hours of Sunday morning, around 4.30am. Along with the wheelchair, some of the family's Christmas presents were also inside the stolen vehicle.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Plea
Emily's mother, Amy Riley, described the chair as "absolutely vital" to her daughter's independence and wellbeing. She emphasised that while the loss of the car was significant, the theft of the wheelchair was devastating.
"Without it, she can't get to hospital appointments, school or any other events," Ms Riley stated. "We're asking anyone who knows anything or sees the vehicle to please come forward."
In a direct appeal to those responsible, she added: "Getting her chair back means everything to us. Even if those who took the car could contact police and just leave the wheelchair somewhere for us to collect - that is all we care about."
Police Investigation and Community Appeal
Leicestershire Police have launched an investigation and are urging the public for help. PC Ricard Smith confirmed the theft has caused "significant distress" to the family and severely compromised Emily's mobility and independence.
"We desperately want to reunite Emily with her wheelchair so the family can enjoy their Christmas," PC Smith said. The force revealed that while the wheelchair was due for replacement next year, the new chair is still being custom-built in New Zealand to meet Emily's specific needs, leaving the family in a critical situation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 101 or report online at www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference 25*744074.
