A BOURNEMOUTH mum is appealing for help following the theft of her wheelchair access van, used by her son with a life limiting condition.

The black VW Transporter, long wheel based van with the number plate BT15 VEU, was stolen from Lincoln Avenue on March 24 between 10pm and 7am.

Sasha McDowell said: "My son Eiden is a very small 11 year old with a life limiting condition and is supported by Julias House Hospice.

"His primary condition is very rare with 12 cases reported worldwide. He has brittle bones with numerous spinal fractures and constantly dislocating joints.

"He is unable to eat and uses a gastrostomy (tube into his stomach) to get nutrition & medicine. He requires 24/7 supervision to maintain his airways and oxygen levels.

"He has severe learning disabilities & autism. He is non verbal and uses picture exchange (PECS) to communicate. His favourite card is ‘Drive’, even at 3am.

"He endures constant pain and one of his favourite activities has been taken away.

"By stealing the van, I as a parent and disabled person will have no independence. A van can be replaced but the adaptions required to suit our family’s needs are estimated at 10 months."

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "We received a report at 8.40am on Friday March 25 relating to a burglary in Lincoln Avenue in Bournemouth.

"It was reported that keys were stolen from inside the address and a Volkswagen Transporter van was taken.

"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing. No arrests have been made."

The van has an NHS rainbow, two wheelchair and three people stickers on the rear window.

It is a wheelchair access van with a rear lift not visible from the outside.

Inside is a specialist buggy wheelchair, a Kimba Neo and a black, specialist car seat. 

A blue badge was in the windscreen.