Disabled children denied Charlton pony ride after thieves swipe £500 of equipment (From News Shopper)

Disabled children denied Charlton pony ride after thieves swipe £500 of equipment

3:50pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Sarah Trotter

DISABLED children were denied their Charlton pony ride after thieves broke in and swiped up to £500 of equipment last night.

A volunteer at Charlton Park Riding for the Disabled Association hopes the crooks have a “miserable existence” after she discovered the break-in this morning.

There were 14 disappointed children – aged between two-and-a-half and 19 years old - following the raid where bridles, head collars and other gear were snatched.

Carol Kendall, who has volunteered for the association for 22 years, told News Shopper: “I found a bridle on the path which had been dropped.

“I had just got up to put the hay down at 7am.

“They had gone with £400 to £500 pounds worth of bridle and head collars.

‘We had to cancel – some of those kids are in wheelchairs and that is their opportunity to get off them and experience a different viewpoint.”

Speaking of the thieves, the 52-year-old mother-of-two added: “I hope they have a miserable existence and I hope someone takes something precious to them and that they never need us.”

The riding group is free of charge for disabled children, run by volunteers and welcomes donations. To find out more contact the Charlton Park Riding for the Disabled Association on 020 8317 1528 .