Car gift delight for cancer sufferer (From The Bolton News)

Car gift delight for cancer sufferer

6:50am Thursday 1st January 2009 in

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A TERMINALLY ill woman who was left a prisoner in her own home after thieves stole her car, says she is “eternally grateful” to a Good Samaritan who has given her a new car.

Cherry Anne Caseley, aged 57, has only months to live, and one of her remaining joys is taking her three dogs to Sevenacres Country Park with her husband, Richard.

But in November thieves stole her only form of transport from the front of her home in Withins Lane, Breightmet, and with it took away her freedom and independence.

When car dealer Norman Ward, aged 64, from Little Lever saw the story he realised he could help and offered to donate an N registration Seat Ibiza which was being used by his business but was now surplus to requirements.

Mr Ward, who runs Bury Motor Bodies in Edenfield was shown the story by his wife Pam, who suggested he donate the Seat, which is worth around £400.

He said: “My wife said we didn’t really need the car, as we have another spare one, and we thought if somebody could benefit from it, who is in much worse situation than most people, then good luck to them.”

Mrs Caseley said: “It’s a miracle. I am so delighted. I can sit and watch my dogs run again. I am eternally grateful to him.”

She said the car, which has 11 months left on its MOT and is taxed for six months, was ideal for her needs and would hopefully allow her to get herself to doctors appointments.

Police Community Support Officer Andrew Evans decided to write to car dealerships after appeals to return the Caseley’s blue Suzuki Vitara fell on deaf ears.However, Mr Ward did not receive a letter and acted only after seeing the story in The Bolton News.

Inspector John Boyce said: “I am very impressed with Mr Ward’s generous gesture for a lady who was left devastated by this theft. It was a real Good Samaritan response. I would also like to praise PCSO Evans who has worked beyond the call of duty to try to get some sort of result for Mrs Caseley.”

Mrs Caseley, a former caterer, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March. It has affected her lungs, stomach and liver. One in 12 people suffering from her condition do not live beyond 12 months.

Efforts to save Mrs Caseley have now stopped and doctors are helping to manage her pain.

Mr Caseley, aged 47, had adapted their original car, registration G640 RGF, taking the seats out of the back and putting in a cage for their three dogs — Benson, a Neapolitan Mastiff, Jasper, a German shepherd, and Maxwell, a sheep dog.

pkeaveny@theboltonnews.co.uk