A mum-of-six who awoke one morning to find her house ransacked and the specially-adapted car she used to take her disabled daughter to school and hospital stolen, says she has been overwhelmed by the kindness of SalfordOnline.com readers.
Claire Worsley, 37, was shocked on Tuesday 11 August to find burglars had not only broken into her Swinton home, but stolen food and drink from her fridge, and urinated in her child’s potty.
Read: Outrage as Swinton burglars steal disabled girl’s mobility car in shocking raid
Holly, her 11-year-old daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy, even had her new school uniform stolen in the raid.
She’s due to start at Ambrose Barlow high school in September but was left in a state of abject fear after the crime.
Local councillor for Swinton Gina Merrett told SalfordOnline.com the thefts were “cowardly and inhumane”.
The story prompted outrage in the local community, and residents quickly came forward to offer help to the distraught family.
“After having read the article people offered everything from money to clothing and food,” said Claire.
“One complete stranger offered to replace my Kindle e-reader and the £60 Nokia phone I’d bought for my daughter’s birthday present.”
Taxi drivers and parents of disabled children even stepped in to offer Claire and Holly lifts to hospital appointments.
“It’s incredible really. I am extremely grateful for their very kind offers however I am too proud to accept charity from people I don’t know,” she said.
The stolen motability car, a silver Ford Focus, was found with fake numberplates in Whitefield, Prestwich on Wednesday night.
It was found with a smashed window and damaged bumpers and is now in the garage awaiting repair.
Claire praised Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, who stepped in after the car company refused to provide an immediate replacement.
“They said that I would have to wait 21 days for a replacement because the keys were stolen from my house, almost as if
it was my own fault, and they would not listen to me.
“I contacted Rebecca’s office and she contacted the company and by Monday teatime a replacement car was delivered to my house.
“This will be a great comfort for Holly; she can’t judge distances very well due to her disability and she can’t get the bus.
“I am still nervous and shaken up by the burglary, but we will get through it thanks to kindness shown to us during this worrying time.”
Main image: Claire and Holly Worsley on a rare trip to the seaside
