A disabled man who invested thousands of pounds in a power assisted hand cycle has had his bike stolen.
Ashley White, 37, from Leckwith in Cardiff, spent £3,500 on the bespoke cycle to increase his mobility.
However, just a few weeks after purchasing the bike, it was stolen from a bike shed from a communal garden that only residents of the flats could access.
The bike was made by DaVinci Mobility in Liverpool and it is the only model they have ever made.
Ashey said he was absolutely devastated when he realised his bike was missing.
He said: “I’ve been saving for a couple of months to buy the bike and I was only able to use the bike twice.
“I’m absolutely devastated because it’s no good to anyone else. It’s bespoke for me so it’s the only one in the country really, I’m so sad.
“It’s quite embarrassing having to ask for donations, but I have to because I’ve no choice after saving up so much to buy the bike.
“The bike took three months to make and I was so excited to purchase it.”
Ashley said the bike was purchased to help with his mobility and also enable him to become more independent.
He hasn’t ridden a bike in 25 years and this was the first time Ashley took the plunge to increase his activity during lockdown.
He added: “The bike helps me with my mobility, it makes it easier for me to get around and stay independent.
“Before this, I hadn’t ridden a bike in 25 years. I wanted to go for a bike ride like everybody else, it saves me from pushing my wheelchair and makes my life easier.
“I feel agitated and annoyed because I can’t believe someone would have the moral compass to do something like this.
“The thought that someone would have the mindset to steal off someone especially when it’s something that helps me with my disability is completely beyond me.”
Family members have since created a GofundMe to help raise the money to buy Ashley a new bike.
He said: “The individuals responsible are absolutely appalling. People have been very kind and donating to my Gofundme.
“The good people of my community in Cardiff, shouldn’t have to fund me for something that I had to purchase of my own funds.
“I’m very grateful to the people of Cardiff and from afar for their kindness and generosity. Particularly during a pandemic, I’m extremely grateful for the support.
“I would be thrilled if we were able to get the bike back."
South Wales Police is investigating and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A spokesman for the force said: "Police in Cardiff are continuing to investigate the theft of a DaVinci Motobility 8 speed Keyde power assisted hand cycle from a property on Verallo Drive in the Leckwith area.
"The hand cycle, which can be attached to a wheelchair, was reported as stolen at around 4.30pm on Tuesday January 26.
"The hand cycle is important to help its user to remain mobile and we are appealing to anyone who may have any information which will help to locate the cycle or who may have any information regarding its whereabouts to contact us.
"In addition if anyone has any information concerning those responsible for its theft please call us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and quote reference 2100029849."
