Home / Crime and Justice / Stolen Wheelchair Returned After Heartfelt Appeal
Stolen Wheelchair Returned After Heartfelt Appeal
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A custom-built wheelchair for a six-year-old was stolen with the family car.
- The wheelchair was returned to the family's home following an appeal.
- The theft left the disabled girl unable to live a normal life.
A custom-built wheelchair essential for a six-year-old girl's mobility has been recovered after a distressing theft. The vehicle containing the specialized chair was stolen from outside the family's home in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, early on Sunday, December 22, 2025. The theft left Emily Riley-Dolan, who is paralyzed from the chest down due to spina bifida, unable to attend vital hospital appointments or school.
Following an urgent appeal from Emily's mother, Amy Riley, highlighting the chair's critical importance, the stolen car and wheelchair were later found abandoned at the family's residence. Police reported that individuals were seen fleeing the vehicle and are now conducting an investigation to identify those responsible for the crime.
The £4,000 wheelchair was a crucial necessity for Emily, as her new custom-built replacement is still being manufactured in New Zealand. The incident also resulted in the loss of some of the family's Christmas presents, adding to their distress.
