Newbury woman's relief as stolen mobility scooter recovered

80-year-old said thieves had taken her independence

AN elderly Newbury woman has spoken of her relief after her mobility scooter was retrieved after being stolen.

Eileen Lidington feared that thieves had taken her independence away from her when she found the scooter was missing last Wednesday.

The 80-year-old rides her scooter into town to catch up with friends and do a bit of shopping.

What would be a short walk for many is difficult for Mrs Lidington as she has heart problems and sciatica. She is also in remission from cancer.

Speaking to the before the scooter was recovered, Mrs Lidington said: “I can’t get out on my own without it and I can’t get far. The only time I can get out now is if my husband Ron takes me.”

“I’m absolutely disgusted, honestly; of all the things to take.

“You never think that people would steal something like that, but I suppose we lived in a time when people didn’t do that type of thing.

“At the moment, they have just taken my independence. If you’re stuck indoors, it’s just horrible.

“I use it to see people I used to work with and it breaks the day up.”

Fortunately for Mrs Lidington police recovered her scooter, which had been abandoned in Sunderland Gardens, on Friday.

“I’m just delighted it’s back. I can’t believe it’s back and so quickly. I’m so relieved,” she said.

She said that a bag was missing from the scooter.

People had been willing to help fund a new scooter, which had cost the couple £1,750, saved up over a year.

Emma Terleske contacted the to say that she was willing to set up a fundraising page for the couple.

“I know how important it is for older people to maintain their independence – I’m sure Mr and Mrs Lidington have put a lot into the Newbury community over the years so felt they deserved something back,” she said.

Mrs Terleske added that she used to exercise a guide dog for a Dysons Close resident and that the people who lived there were lovely and friendly.

And Garry Poulson of Newbury Round Table said that the club was looking to buy Mrs Lidington a new scooter.

Mrs Lidington had locked up her grey Pride Colt Deluxe scooter in a secure communal shed in Dyson Close on Sunday night

The shed is fitted with a keypad and there was no sign of forced entry. The thieves only took Mrs Lidington’s scooter, which was the newest of the ones stored there.

Mrs Lindington has asked for the code to be changed in wake of the theft.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 (ref 43160227340).