A six-year-old disabled girl has been left unable to attend school or medical appointments after thieves stole her specialist wheelchair from her family's car just days before Christmas. Emily Riley-Dolan's £4,000 wheelchair was taken from the boot of a grey Peugeot 5008 parked outside the family home in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Emily has spina bifida and is paralyzed from the chest down. She relies entirely on the wheelchair for mobility. Her mother Amy Riley has made an urgent appeal for the return of the chair, describing it as «absolutely vital» and emphasizing that her daughter is «unable to live a normal life» without it.
The theft occurred around 4:30 am outside the family home in Woodland Drive. The stolen vehicle, registration FH25 XZU, also contained some of the family's Christmas presents. Emily's current wheelchair is due for replacement next year, but the new chair is still being custom-built in New Zealand.
Mother's Plea
Amy Riley prioritized the wheelchair's return over the stolen car. «The car was important, but Emily's wheelchair is absolutely vital,» she said. «Without it, she can't get to hospital appointments, school or any other events. We're asking anyone who knows anything or sees the vehicle to please come forward.»
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 Appeal
Leicestershire Police are investigating the theft. Pc Ricard Smith emphasized the severe impact on the child: «The theft of the wheelchair has caused significant distress to the family and means Emily's mobility and independence are severely compromised. If you have seen the car or have any information, please contact us. If you are responsible, please do the right thing and come forward.»
He added: «We desperately want to reunite Emily with her wheelchair so the family can enjoy their Christmas.»
Anyone with information should call 101 or report online at www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference 25*744074.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
