THE mum of an autistic teenager whose bike was stolen while he was doing the one thing he loves is appealing for its return.

Kath Wheawell said the mountain bike belonging to her 14-year-old son Adam, who has ADHD (attention defecit hyperactivity disorder) and is in the autistic spectrum, was stolen along with another bike from outside Bewsey Farm Community Centre last Wednesday night while he was at an Army Cadets meeting.

Mrs Wheawell, a 35-year-old nurse, from Birdwell Drive, Great Sankey, said: “These are lads who last week were out selling poppies and out on parade on Remembrance Sunday.

“They don’t hang around and cause trouble and they didn’t deserve to have their bikes stolen.

“I am really annoyed that someone has done it.

“Not having a bike affects Adam getting to and from school at Great Sankey High – he now has to go by bus – and he is unable to get to cadets, which is the only time he goes out.

“Adam is so upset about his bike being stolen. People don’t think of the knock-on effect of their actions and the impact it has on lives.”

Mrs Wheawall is appealing to anyone with information about the theft of the two bikes to come forward.

She added: “I would ask the person who has got the bike or anyone who knows about it to let me know where it is. It is just so important to us to get the bike back.”

Mrs Wheawell is to approach the council to urge them to put in a secure bike rack at the centre to prevent further thefts.

Anyone with information can call Mrs Wheawall on 07983 980528. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.