KINDHEARTED Bolton Evening News readers have given a cerebral palsy sufferer a step forward in her fight to replace a wheelchair destroyed by a joyrider.

Debbie Bramhall of Haydock Street, Bolton, was devastated when her motorised wheelchair was stolen from outside a supermarket on Higher Bridge Street, by a teenage girl later seen crashing it.

The wheelchair was retrieved, but found to be beyond repair. Thanks to the BEN highlighting Debbie's plight, she has since been given £350 from the public - £100 of which came from local firm Provident Personal Credit. Debbie who can only manage to walk short distances had popped into the supermarket with her mother for less than five minutes when the wheelchair was stolen.

Now, she says she is virtually a prisoner in her own home: "It has been terrible for the past couple of weeks. It is like I have had my legs chopped off."

The donations given to Debbie will go towards the £4,000 needed for a new wheelchair.

She said: "There is still a long, long way to go, although the money donated has been tremendous.

"Some has arrived anonymously in envelopes pushed through the door. It is really touching. "The donation from Provident Personal Credit was an excellent surprise and I would like to thank them. I am eternally grateful.

"I had initially thought I might be able to have the chair repaired, but I have been told that the motor has gone and with it being six years old, it is beyond repair.

"That has been a massive blow to me. I cannot get any grants or financial help towards a new wheelchair, and as I am only on invalidity benefit, it is going to be very difficult to reach the £4,000 target. "I am 25 later this month and it would be a lovely present if somehow, someone somewhere could help me once again."

Vivien Eckersall from Provident Personal Credit, said: "I read about Debbie's plight and thought it would certainly be worthwhile if we could help her."

Anyone who would like to help Debbie can contact her at 2 Haydock Street, Bolton.

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