A disabled six-year-old girl from Leicestershire was left unable to attend school or hospital appointments after heartless thieves stole her family car containing her bespoke, vital wheelchair just days before Christmas.
Custom Chair Crucial for Independence
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, around 4.30am, at the family's home on Woodland Drive in Braunstone Town. The thieves made off with the family's grey Peugeot 5008, which had the custom-made wheelchair secured in its boot.
The wheelchair, valued at £4,000, belongs to Emily Riley-Dolan, who has spina bifida and is paralysed from the chest down. Her mother, Amy Riley, explained that the chair is "absolutely vital" for her daughter's daily life, enabling her mobility and independence.
A Mother's Desperate Public Plea
Facing the prospect of her daughter being housebound, Amy Riley issued a heartfelt public appeal for the return of the wheelchair. She emphasised that while the car was important, Emily's specialised equipment was irreplaceable in the short term.
"Without it, she can't get to hospital appointments, school or any other events," Amy stated. "We're asking anyone who knows anything or sees the vehicle to please come forward."
She even appealed directly to the thieves, saying: "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."
Leicestershire Police, investigating the theft under crime reference 25*744074, confirmed that a new chair was being custom-built in New Zealand but was not due for completion until the following year.
Miraculous Return Following Community Appeal
In a remarkable turn of events, just hours after the public appeal was shared widely, both the car and the precious wheelchair were returned to the family home on the same day they were stolen.
Leicestershire Police reported that people "were seen to run from the vehicle" upon its return. Authorities confirmed that an investigation to identify those responsible remains actively underway.
A police spokesman said: "Police and Emily's family would like to thank everyone who shared the appeal and helped to reunite Emily with her wheelchair." Officers continue to urge anyone with information to report it via their website.
The swift return of the chair, crucial for Emily's ability to live a normal life, brought immense relief to the family after a day of profound distress and uncertainty.
