A YOUNG woman who was left devastated after thieves vandalised her mobility scooter has been overwhelmed by offers of support and is happy to have the scooter back, though in a slightly damaged condition.

Victoria’s mum received a Facebook message from a friend the day after the scooter was stolen who found the scooter outside a shop on Victoria Grove.

After Victoria Crow’s story was reported in the Echo last week offers of help poured in.

Companies, including Harbour Bonfields offered to repair the scooter, Danny Nash from Portland Skips offered support, a woman from Glastonbury wanted to give her a mobility scooter, Lawrence’s Auctioneers in Crewkerne said it had one in a sale, and Robbie Fisher from Tollor Porcorum and Ray Guiver from Melplash also suggested to The Echo that the community started fundraising to buy her a new scooter.

Victoria, 20, who suffers from a rare medical condition, had her scooter stolen as she was visiting friends in Victoria Grove, Bridport.

It was Bridport and West Dorset residents – including actor Martin Clunes – who turned out in force last year to fundraise for a mobility scooter for her.

She said: “It is lovely. I have had so many people come up to me and say they are glad I have got my scooter back.

“It proves that although there are some people out there who do silly things like steal a wheelchair, there are a lot more people who would be there to support you if something bad did happen.

“It is quite an overwhelming feeling that complete strangers have offered their help.”

The thieves who stole her buggy were branded ‘shameful’ and ‘despicable’ and police urged the culprits to ‘do the right thing’ and turn themselves in.

Victoria is dependent on her scooter – she is not able to walk more than 50 feet on her own – any more could prove fatal.

She was diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari malformation when she was 16.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police 101 quoting crime number 22915 or telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.