Norwich: Horsford mum reunited with stolen wheelchair

Kate Sanchez-Jarvis, from Horsford, was left heartbroken after her specialist mobility aid was believed to have been stolen from the boot of her husband's car.

But following an appeal, the mum-of-two was contacted by a member of the public who had tracked them down.

Kate is all smiles after getting her beloved wheels back (Image: Nick Sanchez-Jarvis)

Kate said: "We are absolutely over the moon. I couldn't believe it at first and I shed tears of joy rather than heartbreak."

The 46-year-old was diagnosed with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2008 and sometimes needs her wheelchair to maintain her independence.

But the family realised that at some point between March 16 and March 26, it had been taken, with Bowthorpe being one of the places they had visited during that time.

The couple launched a fundraiser to try to raise money towards the cost of replacing it but following an appeal this week, they received the good news.

Kate and her husband Nick and two sons aged eight and 11 (Image: Nick Jarvis)

Husband Nick said: "Apparently Dionne Howard, the manager of The Norkie in Bowthorpe had found it two weeks ago on wasteland near the pub.

"She tried to find the owner in the local area but had no luck.

"A woman living nearby found out about the chair and asked her daughter Alison Stanton, herself a wheelchair user, if she knew anything.

"She then made it her mission to track the owner down and eventually found us after stumbling across our appeal - she said she couldn't sleep until it was reunited."

The wheelchair, which costs around £7,000 has been damaged in the ordeal but shouldn't need extensive repairs.

Nick added: "There is a bit of damage to put right but it is amazing to have it back.

"We want to say thank you to everyone's efforts in helping to get the chair back to its rightful owners."