A SINGLE mum is appealing for the return of the bike which her teenage son saved up for over a year to buy.

The 15-speed Raleigh Nitro Mountain Bike was stolen from the side of the house in Pilkington Street, Rainford, overnight on Tuesday, October 29, leaving its owner, 15-year-old Andrew Cameron-Rigby, devastated.

His mum Sandra told the Star: "The problem is that it is not just a bike to Andrew, it is the only way he can get out of the house and virtually a lifeline. He has suffered from a dislocated kneecap on and off for a number of years now because the bone keeps slipping out of place and when it gets like this, it is impossible for him to walk.

"However, he can use his bike, the doctors have told him that is good exercise for him and he rides it to school. To make matters worse, I am registered disabled myself so I can't get around and Andrew used the bike to get groceries from the shops for us."

She added: "He has only just had another operation on his leg but he would have been able to get back on the bike again by now. Instead, he is practically confined to the house and unable to get to school. He does get work sent to him by teachers at Rainford High but it's not the same as actually learning in class."

The bike, which has had extra gears added by Sandra to make it easier for Andrew to ride, is a maroon/red colour and still had a pale-blue chain lock fastened to the body.

Sandra added: "I think the thieves must have known the area because they had no trouble finding the main road which is hidden from our house by a row of trees. But we would dearly love to get it back because it took us so long to save. Andrew is currently saving for a computer but if he doesn't get the bike back he will have to use the money he has already saved towards a new bike."

ANYONE who may be able to help recover the bike, can contact Sandra on St Helens 885087.

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