A 76-year-old Chard woman who is recovering from cancer has had her car broken into and valuables including her wheelchair stolen.

Jean Churchill, who lives in Wyatt Way, was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago and is still undergoing treatment.

Also stolen from the car in the overnight theft was a disabled badge, prescription glasses and money which was to be used for the hospital car park.

Mrs Churchill’s daughter, Tracy Bennison, said: “It must have happened in the early hours of this morning. At about 8 o’clock she got a knock on the door from the next door neighbour to say her car door was open.”

As well as bowel cancer, Mrs Churchill also has arthritis in her back. She has undergone chemotherapy and now has to return to the hospital every three months for CT scans and appointments.

She said: “I don’t know anybody that could be so cruel. It makes my stomach feel physically sick.

“I desperately need my glasses so I will have to get some more this afternoon.

“If they can do something like this, what else can they do? They have done all they can to me.”

Mrs Bennison added: “I just can’t believe the cruelty, specifically taking a wheelchair. Why target any old lady?

“We have been going round the roads and speaking to people to see if the wheelchair has been dumped.

“There is nothing the police can do. We are appealing for people to come forward if they know if anyone has stolen these things.”

The wheelchair was taken from the boot of the car, while the money was taken from a pocket in the driver’s side door, and the prescription glasses taken from a central holder.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to report it to Chard police by calling 101.