A couple who have devoted their time to fostering disabled and special needs children have been left devastated by the theft of special play equipment for the youngsters.

Becky and David Foulcer were disgusted to find a 14ft trampoline, specialist swing and other apparatus missing from their garden in Canterbury Road, Faversham.

The pair - who raised their own four children before fostering - have spent years accumulating the equipment for the children at a cost of hundreds of pounds.

They currently have three boys in their care, including 19-year-old Jamie, who the couple have become guardians for having fostered him for several years.

Mrs Foulcer says the play equipment forms an escapism for them.

“It was quite a lot of money’s worth we had bought for these kids - it’s not really fair that someone has stolen it,” the 59-year-old said.

“When Jamie has seizures and he’s not right, he likes to sit in the cocoon swing.

“The little lad I have now was really upset when he came in from school. The first thing he normally does is go out on the trampoline..." Mrs Foulcer

“Jamie was my foster son but we became his guardians, he’s now 19 but has the mental age of maybe a six-year-old.

“He’s got epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and is quite severely disabled.”

The couple look after two other boys, aged 17 and eight, and often welcome their six grandchildren around to play.

Mrs Foulcer added: “The little lad I have now was really upset when he came in from school. The first thing he normally does is go out on the trampoline.

“My little grandson, Noah, who is five and autistic, comes here a lot and bounces a lot as well, as it’s good for him.”

Mrs Foulcer says the theft has angered her and her 61-year-old husband, and left them having to save to replace the items.

“I’m going to have to save to get another trampoline first of all,” she added.

“You have to keep your eyes open all the time. It’s hard enough trying to keep everything maintained for these kids.

“We spent our money to get a swimming pool too, as at the time Jamie couldn’t be taken out anywhere.

“So you have these things that you try to maintain, then you get people nicking. It makes you so angry.”

Police are investigating the theft, which happened overnight on May 20. Call the appeal line on 01795 419119, quoting crime reference 46/96574/19.

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