Theft victim regains her freedom; PENSIONER OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN ON HER NEW SCOOTER

Byline: By PETER TAYLOR

SHE'S back on her wheels and enjoying a lifeline to the outside world again.

Joyce Johnston, 83, of Blyth, can finally get out and about again, thanks to the Chronicle.

The pensioner, who has undergone two knee replacement operations and a hip replacement in recent years, became a virtual prisoner in her own home when cruel thieves stole her pounds 2,000 mobility scooter from outside her front door.

She had just paid the last instalment on the scooter out of her pension and savings when it was taken.

But the Chron's army of big-hearted readers could not stand by and see her left stranded.

They queued up to help out after reading our story about her plight and now Mrs Johnston has been given another scooter.

She is now happily planning a list of local trips with the help of her niece Ann McNally. Ann said: "We are going to make an appointment with the hairdresser and use it to go there.

"She went down the path and around the garden on it when she got it and she's really, really pleased about it. She is going to go to her friend's around the corner and to the shops.

"I will help her until she gets used to it again. Once she does it a couple of times she will be OK.

"It will make a difference to her life and allow her to be able to get out of the house again."

Mick Gilroy, who owns the Northern Mobility shop in Wallsend, donated the scooter after reading our story about the theft.

He said: "I have never come across anybody stealing a mobility scooter before. We were a bit surprised and shocked about it and thought we would give her a scooter."

Other offers of a scooter came from readers in Gateshead and South Shields, who in each case had a scooter left by a late relative that they were prepared to hand over to Ms Johnston.

Her family fear she may have been the victim of scrap metal thieves. Police are investigating the theft. Anyone with information can contact them on 03456 043 043.

COPYRIGHT 2008 MGN Ltd.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning