Family’s appeal after specialist bike stolen (From The Northern Echo)

Family’s appeal after specialist bike stolen

8:15am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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A TRICYCLE donated to a severely disabled girl by a North-East charity has been stolen from her garden.

The bike belongs to Amy Richardson, 15, who suffers from autism, learning difficulties and epilepsy.

She was nominated by support workers, who help care for her, for TFM radio’s Cash for Kids charity, which had the £700 bike made for her.

It was stolen from the back garden of her home in Selset Avenue, in the Park End area of Middlesbrough, at about 3am on Wednesday.

The two-year-old bicycle is blue and silver with the words Trilogy Mission on the frame.

TFM has pledged that if it is not found the charity will pay for a replacement.

Amy’s mother, Nicola, 36, said her daughter did not understand that her bike had been stolen.

“I am angry about the theft because it is obvious that the bike has been adapted,” she said.

“Amy loved riding it. I have been walking around the area with my family to try to find it. We think it’s probably been dumped.”

Dawn Carney, manager of TFM radio’s Cash for Kids, said: “This is a heartless act and, hopefully, the thieves will realise that this is no ordinary bike and will not benefit anyone else.

“I am urging anyone who knows anything about it to call the police. I know what this bike meant to Amy and our charity is willing to replace it if it does not materialise.”

Call police on 01642-302900 with information.