A WOMAN who was left with severe brain damage after an accident has had £5,000 worth of tools stolen from her home.

The family of Maureen Fowler are appealing for information after thieves broke into her home in Woodpond Avenue, Hockley, while it was being adapted to become disabled friendly.

The family have waited six years to see this development come to life, after Maureen’s accident in 2013 which left her wheelchair-bound.

Son-in-law Mark Walmsley, 56, from Hockley, explained: “Whilst visiting Southend Hospital for one of her check-ups, she fell down a flight of stairs and landed straight on her head. She was in a coma, and we were all told to say our goodbyes.

“Thankfully, she pulled through, but was left completely disabled, she has no use down her left side and is psychologically challenged.

“As a result, she needs 24-hour care, so she has been in rehab and various care homes ever since.

“Now’s the time for her to come home, so builders have been working their socks off putting lifts in place, levelling the floor and widening doors.

“If she isn’t home by September 15, she will lose a year of funding which she received as a settlement from her accident. This is just another delay.”

He said it had put a huge strain on the family, adding: “It makes me so angry. These scumbags have made this another battle we have to go through.”

Daughter, Joanne Walmsley, 53, from Hockley, added: “This is a nightmare and major stress we don’t need, mum is 77 for goodness sake and has had the house with dad for 50 years. This is more to us than just some stools being stolen. I ask anyone with information to come forward.”

A variety of tools were stolen between 8pm on Monday evening and 7am Tuesday morning, including power tools, which were owned by builder Aled Wilcox.

Mr Wilcox, 33, from Worcester, said: “I’ve been gathering these tools for eight years. Together what was stolen adds up to about £5,000 worth, it was such a shock.

“We think they gained access through an opening in the first floor and climbed up the scaffolding. They walked straight through the floor which was setting, so luckily we have their foot prints.

“Let’s hope police catch them soon.”

A spokesperson from Essex Police, said: "We were called to reports of a burglary in Woodpond Avenue, Hockley, on Tuesday August 6 just after 8am.

"The side entrance to a property had been used to gain access and tools to the value of four figures had been stolen.

"Anyone with information is asked to call Southend CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/125610/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."