A YORK barber is rallying fellow businesses to help a multiple sclerosis sufferer who has been left housebound after thieves stole and trashed her specially-adapted van.

Terry Smith, owner of Classic Cutz Barber Shop, in Heworth, is pledging a cash donation to help Judith Hurst pay for a new van - and he is asking other local businesses to do the same.

The Evening Press reported last night how Judith, 62, has been "shattered" by the theft of the wheelchair-adapted Renault van from outside her home in Wains Road, Dringhouses, last week. She and her husband Reg - known as Jock - used their savings to buy the £900 vehicle from the MS Society 20 months ago to help with hospital visits and allow her to take trips into town.

Terry said: "These people are in a very unfortunate position and seem most distressed.

"Their financial resources may be limited but I am lucky enough to be able to work and am glad to offer some help. Hopefully we can restore their faith in human nature."

Terry has already contacted a number of other shops in the Heworth area and they are pledging to help Judith and Jock.

The couple are currently waiting to hear if the vehicle will be written off by insurers. This would leave it difficult to find another van so well adapted.

Jock said: "Hopefully the van can be fixed but we are very grateful of this support."

Jackie Chapman, secretary of the York branch of the MS Society, said she was "devastated and appalled" to read that someone had done this to the couple.

"I just can't believe it," she said. "They are a lovely couple and they do an awful lot of fundraising for us."

Jackie is appealing for anyone with a similar van to contact her as the branch committee would like to hire a replacement for the couple until a permanent solution is arranged.

If you have a wheelchair-adapted vehicle that you are willing to hire to the MS Society, contact Jackie on 01904 758577.

Updated: 10:33 Tuesday, September 30, 2003