It was one of the only freedoms that Tobias Hill had to enjoy with his father before it was stolen and trashed by vandals.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Hill with his son Tobias,17, and the specially adapted disabled bike that was stolen and trashed.Picture: Nick ButcherChris Hill with his son Tobias,17, and the specially adapted disabled bike that was stolen and trashed.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

But now, after a community outpouring, a fundraising campaign has been launched to raise money for a new bike for the 17-year-old, who lives with a disability.

The chromosome condition, which affects the development of the brain and has only recently been discovered, is thought to affect just one in every billion people.

This means he has limited movement, meaning the bike was specially designed with a front seat.

It can cost between £3,000 and £5,000 but for him and his father, Chris Hill, it was an opportunity to go out and explore where Tobias' wheelchair could not.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Hill with his son Tobias,17, and the specially adapted disabled bike that was stolen and trashed.Picture: Nick ButcherChris Hill with his son Tobias,17, and the specially adapted disabled bike that was stolen and trashed.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The bike was taken as the family were out enjoying their village fireworks display in Bracon Ash, on November 4, 2017.

On returning home they discovered the bike, and Mr Hill's bike, had been taken.

Both were found later in the village but Tobias' bike had been smashed.

After this newspaper reported the story, Mr Hill was inundated with people wanting to donate to help get Tobias back on the road again.

Mr Hill said: 'It isn't about me. It is about getting another bike for Tobias. After the amount of people who have spoken to me, they have persuaded me to let them help.

'He has always liked the bicycle. When it is nice summer weather, he would ask for 'chair' as he couldn't say bike to go out for a ride.'

Mr Hill, who became a part-time teacher so he could care for Tobias, would enjoy going out in the community on the bike.

He said Tobias was known to everyone and would say 'hello' to people as they cycled past.

Mr Hill added: 'It is great for Tobias to see that people are still willing to help.

'Sometimes you get people who just laugh or couldn't care, but it nice to see there are people out there who care that he has not got when others have in life.'

A target of £5,000 has been set to pay for a new bike that is motorised.

Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/tobias-hill-bike-fundraising