Barrow mum disgusted at theft of disabled son’s bicycle
Last updated at 17:04, Monday, 10 December 2012
A DEVASTATED mum has hit out over the callous theft of her disabled son’s beloved bicycle.
The £650 bike, which had to be made especially for 11-year-old Harrison Holmes, was a Christmas present last year.
The youngster has cerebral palsy and used his bike to help with his physiotherapy after several major operations on his legs.
Harrison’s mum, Joanne, said she was “disgusted” that someone would take it.
The 38-year-old, of Abbey Road, Barrow, said: “I can’t believe it. I can’t even tell him because he’ll be gutted. It’s so loved, that bike – we go out on it all the time.”
Mrs Holmes is hoping the fact her son is a well-known face around the town will spark people’s memories of seeing him out on his bike.
The youngster’s inspirational life, which has seen him fight off potentially fatal disseminated intravascular coagulation, heart complications, chronic lung disease and septicaemia, has won the hearts not only of the people of Barrow but of national celebrities and even royalty.
Harrison has charmed Prince William, his brother and his wife, and also counts notoriously icy Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne, amongst his fans.
Mrs Holmes said: “I really, really need this bike back – it’s a one-off, there won’t be another one like it in Barrow.
“It cost a small fortune, we wouldn’t normally spend that at Christmas, but because he’d had the operations it was something extra special that he really needed.
“It’s actually got him back walking – what he’s been able to do with it is amazing.”
Harrison’s mum said the bike, which was hidden under a cover in the family’s garden, must have been taken on Wednesday or Thursday night, as Harrison had been ill with flu and hadn’t ridden it for a couple of days.
She described the bike as looking like a BMX but with three big, chunky wheels in a trike-style shape.
It has a tractor-style seat and a basket on the back, which Harrison uses to carry his beloved pet dog everywhere with him.
It is black with “mission” or “mission cycles” written in red on the side.
Mrs Holmes is scared the bike will get taken for scrap metal, because it is so heavy, and is pleading with dealers to be wary of anyone trying to sell it.
Anyone with information should contact Barrow police on 101.
First published at 11:06, Monday, 10 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
Lynsey Johnson is leading a collection to buy a new trike for Harrison.
You can send donations via paypal to lynseypink@rock.com, or make donations at the Evening Mail office on Abbey road, or Care Free Travel Garage on Foundry St.
Posted by Alexander Smith on 12 December 2012 at 12:54