A charity devoted to helping people with brain injuries says having its van stolen by "scumbag" thieves has put daily operations on the brink of collapsing.

The white van was stolen from a private car park outside where the Brainwave charity operates on Tennyson Road in Lowestoft.

The charity relies on the van for its daily operations and because of the theft it is experiencing difficulties in its day-to-day requirements.

It also runs events across Suffolk and Norfolk and depends on the van to transport items to and from them.

Lowestoft Journal: Brainwave use the van to move donations, as picturedBrainwave use the van to move donations, as pictured (Image: Mick Howes)

Jayne Dunnell, from the charity, says the theft feels like a "violation".

She said: "It is sickening that this has happened.

"I just do not know what sort of scumbag would do this, our whole operation is built to raise money for people with severe brain issues.

"And now the van has been stolen our day-to-day operations have been hugely impacted, we cannot deliver to customers, pick up and drop off furniture and stock at our shops.

"It is bad enough for anyone else to have something stolen, nobody deserves this feeling, but to steal from a charity must be the lowest of the low, it is a violation and abhorrently wrong.

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"We have reported it to the police and really hope they can help us, but please if anyone has seen anything then please assist us by sharing the police the information."

Lowestoft Journal: Dan and Tracey Bowler, his mum and founder of Brainwave Independence Group, having a cup of teaDan and Tracey Bowler, his mum and founder of Brainwave Independence Group, having a cup of tea (Image: Brainwave Independence Group)

In 2017 the Brainwave charity, launched by Tracey Bowler, opened its first charity shop in Lowestoft.

This was after the group had successfully raised £5,000 to apply for full charity registration.

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Mrs Bowler pioneered the launch of the charity after her son was in a coma for four months following a car accident, leaving him with a brain injury for life.

A Suffolk police spokesman said: "The white Ford Transit van, registration number BN59XBR, was stolen sometime between 4pm on Monday, November 27 and 9am on Tuesday, November 28.

"If you have any information about this theft contact Suffolk police quoting crime reference number 37/69003/23 via 101."

Lowestoft Journal: Brainwave uses the van to in all of their operationsBrainwave uses the van to in all of their operations (Image: Mick Howes)