Support boosts scooter theft victims

SUPPORT: Ken English. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

An elderly Masterton couple have been showered with community support and offers of help after their mobility scooter was stolen from their home.

Selma and Ken English, 88, who live on a quiet street with "lots of oldies", had woken up on Friday morning to find the aqua-blue vehicle had been taken from their carport.

Mrs English said since news of the theft had spread through the community she had received many phone calls of support, with four people offering to loan Mr English their scooters.

"Thanks everyone for their kindness, we're overwhelmed with the calls that have come in," said Mrs English.

"We're overwhelmed with the kindness of people and it's made us feel great - we're overwhelmed with shock."

The $4400 scooter gave Mr English, who has early onset Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and other health problems, the freedom to leave his house.

Losing the scooter meant the couple would no longer be able to get around independently, as they had given up their car four years earlier after Mr English suffered a stroke.

Mrs English now walked everywhere alongside her husband.

The RSA said they would loan Mr English, who is a veteran and RSA member, a mobility scooter free of charge, until the couple could find a permanent replacement.

The scooter was insured but, until police could confirm it was not coming home, the couple would have to wait to make their claim.

"This was such a shock because we feel so secure where we are and the neighbours are upset that this has happened."

Mrs English said the theft had affected her husband but, because of his Alzheimer's, it was important she "keep bright and breezy all the time".

"I hope [the theft] has been rewarding as far as people being aware that there's more good people than bad people," she said.

The couple's daughter, Cheryl Ferguson, who lives in Auckland, took to the Times-Age Facebook page to thank the community for the widespread support.

"Thank you to all those who have shown their support for my Dad. This event has shaken him considerably but he's drawing on his resilience at this time, and appreciates the support of his very caring community. Thank you!"

A Facebook friend of the Times-Age offered to pay the excess on the couple's insurance, and an offer of a mobility scooter was left for the couple on the Times-Age website.

"I have a mobility scooter I am happy to give to him - if his is eventually found and returned then I will come and collect it again - otherwise he can keep it," the message read.

"Runs well and is in pristine condition but needs to be regularly charged."