A PENSIONER who was left devastated after a thief stole and ripped apart her mobility scooter has been overwhelmed by the kindness she's received in response.

Gillian James from Moredon has spent the weeks since the theft in January struggling to get about as the her crippling arthritis leaves her legs stiff and sore.

Her mobility scooter was snatched from outside her home after she left it by her front door behind two gates and a broken fence.

It was found near Akers Way with the electronics ripped out and the back seat slashed.

The 78-year-old said: “I’ve not been well since, it has really shaken me.

"I can’t sleep, I’ve shed so many tears, it’s all been too much.

“Going anywhere is now a real struggle, even just down to the shops.

"My legs ache horribly, I hobble around and have to get a taxi home.

“I used to be a great dancer and now I can hardly put one foot in front of the other, it’s awful, I miss my scooter so much.”

Fortunately, there is a silver lining to this tragedy.

After her story was plastered over the Adver's front page (much to her surprise), Gilly has had a lot of sympathy and support during this toug

She added: "One of your advertisers, Fowlers Fencing, saw my story, came over to my home and fixed my fence for me for free.

“It was so kind of him.

“The Mobility Store got in touch and told me that a scooter has come in for scrap that’s identical to my broken one.

“They’re hoping to use parts from the scrapped one to fix mine, though I don’t know how much it will cost.

“The police have also come over to give security advice - I come from a different generation, people used to be more trusting.

"I've also heard that some of your readers have offered help too.

“Out of all the evil that has happened, there are still some kind people out there."