The family of a double-amputee boy claim they were swindled out of £4,250 by a shameless rogue trader.
William Ashington’s parents were determined to give their son a beautiful garden so he had somewhere to relax and grow vegetables this summer.
He was born with part of his leg bones missing, meaning he had both feet amputated when he was eight.
But the family were left gutted when a landscaper allegedly trousered the cash and fled - but local businesses have come together to put things right for little William.
Mum Philomene, 44, told The Sun that they saved the money and suggested a new wheelchair to William but he said: “Mummy, I’d love a really nice garden so I can play.”
The doting mum and dad Craig, also 44, drafted in a local tradesman who they say had previously done work in the area.
But when he seemingly vanished, it was no surprise to hero neighbour Nick Harris, who alleges the dodgy workman has nicked £35,000 from unsuspecting customers in the Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, area.
Mr Harris had also previously had a run-in with the landscaper so set up a GoFundMe to resolve the family’s money worries when he heard about their plight.
Philomene revealed the tradesman had messaged her husband saying he ‘couldn’t wait to see the smile’ on William’s face.
The disgusted mum said: "It's cruel. Fair enough, take money out of our pocket, we can deal with that and it's a mistake that you learn from.
"But to take from a disabled child, that's the lowest of the low."
Eight local businesses have responded to Mr Harris’ selfless call and chipped in to give the family the garden they dreamed of.
Philomene said the experience began as ‘overwhelming’ and ‘embarrassing’ but the support of the local community has restored her faith in humanity.
Staffordshire Police has confirmed they are looking into rogue trader reports in the area.
A spokesperson said: "Staffordshire Police is investigating a number of frauds in the Uttoxeter area. No arrests have been made."
