Thieves ruin teenagers life

A CEREBRAL palsy sufferer has hit out at the thieves who snatched the £2,000 specialist BMX bike he relies on to cope with his disability.

The purpose-built, lightweight BMX is the only thing that has helped 17-year-old Christopher Horne live with the pain of his curvature of the spine.

Its theft from outside an Ipswich town centre clothing store has left his family devastated.

Christopher's mum Amanda Horne said: "He's so sad because he can't replace it.

"That bike is his legs, he's never off it.

"It's what the professionals use because it's lightweight.

"If he walks to town his back aches because he's got curvature of the spine. The bike stops it hurting him.

"He feels so lost and depressed without it."

Christopher left his black-framed bike outside the Hoax Clothing Company store in St Nicholas Street just before 1pm last Friday while he went inside and when he came out a few minutes later it was gone.

His friends desperately searched for it but no trace was found.

The theft has been reported to police but the Horne family is hoping shoppers in the area at the time may have seen the bike being taken or that other keen bike riders may have seen it being ridden around the town.

Christopher hopes it can be found soon because he saved for 12 months to buy the parts and cannot afford to replace them.

Standard bikes are too heavy but the lightweight Federal Fraction frame, imported from the United States, and other specially chosen parts have given him mobility he is afraid he will not get back.

"I have problems with my back if I walk too far. And I've been spending lots of money on it," he said.

The bike is black with silver pedals and a white cable. Anyone with information is asked to call Pc Jayne Gardiner at Ipswich Police on 01473-613500.