A former jockey who rebuilt her life after a devastating racing accident has been left “absolutely devastated” after thieves stole her car containing the specialist wheelchair and equipment she relies on every day.
Sarah Gaisford, from Buckfastleigh, said the theft has stripped away her independence after her blue VW Golf Estate R-Line 1.5 eTSI, registration WF25 SDO, was stolen with her sports wheelchair, tennis rackets and mobility equipment inside.
Sarah was paralysed from the chest down following a fall at Exeter Racecourse in 2007. Before the accident, she rode 50 point-to-point winners and 14 winners under Rules.
Following her spinal injury, Sarah turned to wheelchair tennis and went on to become one of Britain’s leading players in the sport.
She has previously been ranked ninth in Great Britain and reached the top 70 in the world rankings for wheelchair tennis.
Friends said the stolen wheelchair was specially adapted and made to measure for Sarah, making it difficult and expensive to replace.
The vehicle also contained a freewheel attachment she uses while walking her dog, along with other specialist sporting equipment.
Sarah said: “I am absolutely devastated and in shock. This theft has taken everything from me that I need to live a fulfilling and healthy life.
“It is my socialisation as well. Tennis has given me a purpose, a goal and something to focus on.
“I just hope the car and my chair turns up and I can get back to my life again.”
Friends said the theft has taken away not only Sarah’s equipment, but also her mobility and ability to train and compete.
An appeal is now spreading across Devon’s racing, tennis and disabled sports communities in the hope the vehicle and equipment can be recovered.
Residents are being urged to check CCTV and dashcam footage, look in lay-bys, lanes and car parks for abandoned equipment and report any sightings to Devon & Cornwall Police.
The crime reference number is 50260124473.
Friends believe the specialist wheelchair and mobility aids may have been dumped if those responsible realised how distinctive and personal the equipment was.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact police.
