CALLOUS thieves stole a classic scooter ahead of a road trip to deliver Christmas presents to poorly children.
Craig Bennett, 50, is desperate to get his 1963 Lambretta back in time for a toy run to the Countess of Chester Hospital on Sunday.
He saved up for the striking motor after his sister’s death inspired him to enjoy life.
“It took me a year to find it,” said Mr Bennett, an operator technician at Ball Packaging on Deeside Industrial Estate.
“My sister had died this year and I just thought life’s too short.
“I had one when I was 18 and I turned 50 this year so I wanted to buy one.”
Mr Bennett discovered his pride and joy was missing from his garage at his home in Redhall Avenue, Connah’s Quay.
“I noticed the padlock had gone off my garage.
“When I had a look I was absolutely devastated.
“For three days I didn’t eat or sleep. I can’t explain it. You work all your life and save up and then someone takes it away.”
Mr Bennett loved riding his scooter on Sundays with Chester Scooter Club, which is hosting the toy run.
He said a resident saw the distinctive model being pushed up Dee Road on Tuesday, November 27, at 9.45pm two days before it was discovered missing.
Mr Bennett believes the bike is still in the area. He explained: “It is so distinctive it would be really hard to sell.
“It’s registered with the Lambretta Club of Great Britain.”
The scooter, worth about £3,000, is white and blue with blue metal flake panels with a blue flyscreen.
It has the words ‘too darn soulful’ written on the side in silver and a black and white badge which reads ‘Wigan Casino keep the faith.’
“I just want it back,” said Mr Bennett. “If anyone knows anything please report it to the police.”
A spokesman for North Wales Police said: “A white and blue Lambretta scooter was reported as stolen from a garage in Red Hall Avenue in Connah’s Quay on November 29. Anyone with information should call 101.”