Thieves have robbed girl of independence
THE mum of a disabled girl has begged for the return of her mobility Segway after a gang of thieves stole it.
Annabel O’Neill, 11, from Cheadle Hulme, has her growth restricted by condition SEDC so is only 3ft tall and uses the Ninebot to maintain her independence.
But four men broke into her mum Carolyn’s car as it was parked outside their home and stole the device on Thursday at around 2.15am.
Carolyn, 46, says the effect for Annabel is like ‘having her legs cut off’ as it robs her of her independence.
She said: “She cannot walk more than short distances so the Segway means she doesn’t have to depend on me to get around.
“She can go to school with her friends or to the shops to get herself a treat and on family days out we can go to more places.
“It helps her live a normal life.
“She looks different but this makes her look cool and makes a huge difference to her self-esteem and is part of her identity. I am furious, the men who took it saw her disabled badge in the car so must have known a disabled person would have something to do with it.”
Annabel, who also lives with dad James, 46 and brother Thomas, seven, off Councillor Lane, only got the £500 Segway at the start of the year.
It was something Annabel and her family had been waiting to have for two years.
Police have confirmed that the theft had been reported and appealed for information.
It is believed the men escaped up Councillor Lane in the direction of Cheadle.
Carolyn added: “People will see Segways but this is so small and portable that it is eye-catching and will be easy to spot.
“It is rare and is a specialist piece of equipment – no-one else in the area has one.
“Someone somewhere will have seen it or know something we really need help to get it back. We just want it returned.”
Call police on 101.