THE FAMILY of a Rowley Regis boy whose lifeline wheelchair has been stolen have appealed for its return.
Charlie Morley, aged five, has been left housebound after his wheelchair was stolen along with the family car from their drive in Newbury Lane at around 10pm on Friday (January 8).
After appealing for its return on social media the wheelchair was left in the street the next night, but it was stolen for a second time before the family became aware of its presence.
Charlie, who attends Blackheath Primary, has cerebral palsy, and can't walk. The wheelchair was custom made for his exact requirements and he relies on it to leave the house.
He lives with mum Chrissie Parsons, dad Wayne Morley, who runs his own landscape gardening and fencing business, and older brother Miles, aged nine.
Charlie's aunt Kerry Morley, said: "The thieves obviously had some conscience as they left the wheelchair on Newbury Lane right opposite Martley Road about twenty doors down from the family home.
"His mum was distraught yesterday. They have been going door to door to see if anyone has CCTV.
"Charlie got excited because he thought the wheelchair was back, so he spent the day really upset when we found it had been taken again.
"People might think it's just a wheelchair, but it's Charlie's legs, it's his only way of getting out in the fresh air."
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise £3k for the purchase of a new wheelchair if it is not returned and can be seen here.
Kerry said the family has been overwhelmed by the amount of support they have received.
The 38-year-old said sales executive said: "We would like to thank everyone who has shared the appeal and for all the messages of support and offers of help.
"The response has been amazing. We are so grateful.
"We've had lots of people offer wheelchairs, but Charlie's wheelchair is custom made for him, so we really need to get it back."
The desperate family has even contacted scrap men in the area to see if anyone thought it had been left out for collection. Police have been in touch with the family and are on the lookout for the stolen car and wheelchair.
If anyone has the wheelchair they are asked to return it to the family. The stolen Mitsubishi outlander phev's registration number is DX69 PLU. A car chair was also in the car which was stolen. The car was insured, but its contents are not covered.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating after a grey Mitsubishi Outlander was stolen in Newbury Lane, Rowley Regis at about 6pm on Friday 8 January.
"Anyone with information can contact us, quoting 20SW/7254X/21, via live chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 101.
"Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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