A mother was left heartbroken by thieves who stole the car she uses to take her five-year-old daughter for chemotherapy sessions.

It is the second time within months that thieves have stolen Nafisa Sarwar's car.

Miss Sarwar woke to discover that her blue Ford Fiesta had been taken from the drive of her home in Primrose Street, Astley Bridge, Bolton during the night.

It was a replacement for her red D reg Rover Metro which was stolen last summer.

Miss Sarwar needs transport to take her daughter Kerys to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, for weekly chemotherapy sessions.

The little girl was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of two and is currently in remission but has to go hospital on a monthly basis for check ups.

Miss Sarwar, who also has a 23-month-old daughter Lana, said she cannot believe thieves have struck again.

She said, "Why do they keep picking on me? The car was our lifeline. I am isolated without it."

Miss Sarwar added: "I didn't use it for myself for pleasure -- it was for Kerys."

The Metro car she owned was found wrecked in the Harwood area several weeks after it had been stolen.

Miss Sarwar had to take out a loan to cover the cost of travelling to the hospital until the insurance company paid out and she was able to buy a replacement car.

Kerys was first diagnosed with leukaemia after having trouble walking. She was sent to see a specialist at the Royal Bolton Hospital and started undergoing chemotherapy.

Her mum had to take her to hospital every week and then it was reduced to fortnightly.

More recently, she used the Fiesta to take Kerys to nearby Sharples County Primary School despite the fact she she still has difficulty walking.

Miss Sarwar said, "I looked out the window and the car was gone. I am absolutely heartbroken.

"There was a baby seat in the back so it was obvious it was a family car.

"They don't realise the affect they have on people's lives. Kerys keeps asking where the car has gone."

She added: "It is probably just a joy-ride for the thieves but I am stranded without the car.

"I can't go anywhere with the baby and Kerys because she can't walk very well."

A police spokesman said: "Miss Sarwar's theft has been reported and we are investigating."

The registration of the Fiesta is L561 JUJ. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.