A Spalding teenager who has a brain tumour has been left distraught after his only mode of independent transport was stolen.
Jack Schweikhardt often doesn’t often feel well enough to leave the house, but last Thursday he felt OK to go to Gregg’s in Hall Place.
The 18-year-old locked his BMW bike with mudguards in a rack, but between 10.15am and 10.45am the lock was broken and the white bike stolen.
It was given to him his dad Steve’s best friend, Gordon Hyam, who died earlier this year with oesophageal cancer.
“Jack’s been really upset.” said mum Jodie. “It’s so annoying that he felt well enough to go out and get himself a sausage roll, then he gets his bike stolen.
“He’s really distressed and it has taken a lot out of him.
“He has been attempting to use Steve’s old bike but he fell off it the first time he went on because it’s such an old bike, and nowhere near as good as his own.”
Jack added: “I just want my bike back.”
He was previously a healthy 17-year-old rugby player but Jodie noticed something was wrong when he lost five stone in five months.
He was also collapsing daily, suffered chest pains, headaches and vomiting. The family had to fight for several months to get a correct diagnosis and Jack credits his mum’s fighting for him still being alive.
He was about to be diagnosed with Addison’s Disease because he was in adrenal failure, but after further MRI scans a benign tumour was discovered in the pituitary gland in his brain.
He is receiving steroids for his condition, though he won’t know for 18-months whether treatment has been successful or if he’ll have to take medication for the rest of his life.
Both he and his sister Abbie have also been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). It involves the heart-rate increasing after getting up from sitting or lying down.
Because of his conditions, Jack’s cardiologist said Jack will probably never be able to work.
“It’s really getting him down,” said Jodie who works for Marie Curie. “He just feels stuck in limbo, whilst he sees his friends moving forward with their lives, Jack spends most of his time in the house.
“That’s why the bike was indispensable.
The person hasn’t just taken his bike, they’ve taken his independence.
“Anyone who knows Jack knows he’s all heart. He’s the person who, if he seems someone homeless, will give them money or food or will help the elderly or anyone struggling with their shopping.
“I know I’m biased but others have told me he’s such a lovely and kind boy.
“It’s awful and I’m so sorry for what’s happened to him.
“There’s times I look at him and I just want to cry.”
There have been some positives though, and Jack has put on two stone in recent months while the family can’t praise Dr Morsy at Gosberton Medical Practice enough.
Since The Voice put an appeal out about the bike on the internet, several incredibly kind groups and individuals have got in contact to offer replacements.
“We can’t thank these people enough,” said Jodie. “It’s wonderful to see.”
Lincolnshire Police say inquiries are ongoing .
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111, quoting reference 23000431849.
