Mum numbed by theft of dead son’s laptop (From News Shopper)

Mum numbed by theft of dead son’s laptop

10:14am Wednesday 9th January 2008 in Bromley By David Mills

A MOTHER says she went numb after a laptop which belonged to her dead son was stolen in a burglary.

Lynda Morris's home in Austin Road, Orpington, was burgled on Saturday afternoon while the family were out.

A conservatory door was forced open and items of jewellery and an MP3 player were stolen, along with a white 15in Apple Macintosh laptop computer in a black rubber fabric case which belonged to her late son, Neil.

It contained pictures, messages and work.

The 35-year-old died of cancer in July 2006 when he was travelling in Australia.

Mrs Morris, who also has two daughters, said: "The laptop is a family memento. Everything Neil had is on there.

"All his pictures and films from his travels are on there, as well as messages and tributes from his friends.

"It's really sentimental as it's my son's life."

The 65-year-old added: "I was absolutely devastated when I found out his laptop had been taken.

"I went numb for a while because that was part of Neil.

"It's really all we have left of him." Neil Morris was a keen traveller since he was 20 years old and taught kiteboarding, among other boarding sports, around the world, including India, Vietnam, Australia and Spain. His mother, a former classroom assistant at Poverest School, Tillingbourne Green, Orpington, said: "Travelling was his whole life.

"He put more into his 35 years than most do in 90.

"This laptop is a record of his life." Mrs Morris, now retired, made a desperate plea for the laptop's return. She said: "Could you please return it, because it's my son's life, it's one of the only connections I still have left with him."

Any witnesses to the burglary, which happened between noon and 5pm, should call Bromley Police Burglary Squad on 020 8284 9964.

A police spokesman said: "We would wish for the laptop to be returned due to the sentimental value to the family. "