A DISABLED mother whose Christmas was blighted by thieves can today look forward to the new year thanks to the festive spirit of a Good Samaritan.The benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, was touched by a story in the Evening Star about how Penny Leeks was left struggling to lead an independent life after three wheels to her car were stolen.

A DISABLED mother whose Christmas was blighted by thieves can today look forward to the new year thanks to the festive spirit of a Good Samaritan.

The benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, was touched by a story in the Evening Star about how Penny Leeks was left struggling to lead an independent life after three wheels to her car were stolen.

They contacted the Star and arranged to send a cheque to Mrs Leeks, a mother of two, so she could pay for some new wheels.

The donor said: "The world would be a nicer place if we all practised spontaneous acts of kindness."

Mrs Leeks, of Bantoft Terrace, Ipswich, said: "They are not wrong. I didn't expect anyone to help out considering I'm just the average Joe.

"They have been kinder than I could imagine. They don't know me from Adam but they have been affected by my story."

Mrs Leeks, who has one leg longer than the other and cannot walk very far, has been left relying on others to help her with her shopping and to get her children to school since thieves struck on December 14.

The 33-year-old, who depends on income support and disability allowance, said she could not afford to buy new wheels and faced a bleak winter.

She hasn't bought any wheels to her blue Metro yet, but she said she is relishing an independent life again.

She said: "It takes away my vulnerability, which is not something you want at any time. It will mean I can do some decent family shopping and I can also take the children out. It is just nice to be able to do what you want and not rely on other people."

Buoyed by this festive cheer, Mrs Leeks said her New Year's resolution was to "live life to the max."