A DISABLED grandmother whose mobility scooter was torched has been given back her independence thanks to a kind-hearted donation.

As reported in the Echo, Susan Read was left virtually housebound after thieves stole the vehicle from her garden in Brisbane Road, Littlemoor.

Mrs Read, 57, suffers severe back pain following a work accident 10 years ago.

After seeing her story in Monday's Echo, Weymouth Mobility delivered a scooter for her to use until she has saved up enough money to purchase a new one.

This means she will be able to get to appointments in the interim at Diverse Abilities Plus, were she is training for office work, and also any hospital check-ups.

Mrs Read said: “It means I can get about again, go to my appointments, and do the shopping.

“It’s given me my freedom and my independence back.

“Using a scooter takes away some of the pain.

“You don’t realise what having the freedom to be able to get out and go where you want means until you lose it.

“It was so kind for the company to bring this scooter round for me; I wasn’t expecting it at all.”

As well as saving for a scooter, Mrs Read with the permission of her landlord is also planning to create a secure area at the back of the property to ensure her new scooter is safe from vandals.

Weymouth Mobility and Dorchester Mobility owner James Monahan said: “In my seven or eight years in this business I have never seen anything so despicable or as underhand as what has happened to somebody that needs a scooter.

“We are only too please to help Mrs Read.”

Weymouth Mobility director Jem Dicken said: “As soon as we heard what had happened to Susan we wanted to help.

“People who have to use mobility scooters are dependent on them.

“I have spoken to people who have been left virtually housebound for weeks and months.

“Often, their scooter is the best thing that’s happened to them because it means independence.

“It’s not until you get an injury and you can’t walk that you realise the effect it has on your life.

“It’s rewarding to be able to help someone get their independence back.”

Mrs Read’s black Rascals mobility scooter was taken from its covering sometime between 4pm on April 19 and 6pm on April 20.

It was found two days later torched in a field near Beverley Road.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.