Leeds teacher sets up fundraiser after cruel thieves steal elderly neighbour's mobility scooter

Alma Pearson, 73, has been deprived of her independence after cruel thieves took her scooter from her garden on the night of Wednesday, September 30.

Alma is disabled and the vehicle was her only way of walking her dog and generally getting out and about, as she has limited mobility.

Neighbour Jo Mumby, of Grove Avenue, Pudsey, does a weekly shop for Alma and wanted to try to help once she heard the news.

She said: "Its one thing to break in and steal a TV or phone, but when it is an item that a person depends on for their own independence, well-being and, of course, mobility, I find the crime despicable."

The scooter, which may have been taken away in a van, was too big for Alma's home so had to be left out overnight in the garden to charge - but it was hidden from view.

To make matters worse, Alma had been misinformed about insurance and did not believe she could take out a policy for a road scooter, thinking only pavement scooters could be insured.

Jo, a teacher, set up a GoFundMe page at the start of the month to try to raise money to replace the scooter.

Almost £400 has been raised - but it is still some way off what is needed to buy a scooter that is capable of being stored inside.

Jo added: "Many people have been so kind - but this is only a small percentage of what these scooters actually cost and what Alma will have to pay.

"It didn't sit well with me when she told me 'I'll have to put it on my credit card'".

Jo wrote on the fundraising page: "I am disgusted but mainly saddened.

"This is my neighbour's only way to walk her dog and get out and about, she has limited mobility.

"I would love to try and raise funds to help her replace the scooter.

"I hate to see my neighbour upset and traumatised by this, a range of thoughts naturally come to mind when this happens but the three main ones for my neighbour are fear, helplessness and loss of independence."

You can donate to the fundraiser HERE.