Urgent hunt for stolen van desperately needed by terminally ill boy

It had been converted by the family of Elijah Cariazo, who described it as his ‘lifeline’

Heartless thieves have stolen a van specially modified to transport a terminally ill 13-year-old boy, prompting an urgent appeal from Scotland Yard to locate the grey Ford Transit Custom. The vehicle was stolen after being broken into in Hackney, east London, and driven off on Tuesday, March 26.

The van holds immense significance for Elijah Cariazo and his family, as it has been converted to accommodate his medical needs and is described as his 'lifeline.' Elijah's mother, Onessa, made a heartfelt appeal for help in finding the van, stressing its critical role in Elijah's daily life.

Elijah needs the van to get to hospital appointments and his family were planning to take him away in it for an Easter trip

"This vehicle is not just transportation; it is our road to freedom," Onessa expressed. "Without it, our dear boy cannot experience the outside world in his final days. Each day is precious to us, and we are deeply grateful. With Elijah's 14th birthday approaching, we had plans to take him and his medical team for a much-needed getaway to the countryside, a place he adores."

The van's unique modifications, including the nine-month process to fully customize it for Elijah's needs, make it irreplaceable. It is essential for transporting him to medical appointments and has become an integral part of their lives.

Onessa Cariazo described the van as Elijah’s lifeline

The Cariazo family was anticipating a holiday over the Easter weekend due to Elijah's deteriorating condition. However, their plans were disrupted when they discovered the van missing on Tuesday morning. CCTV footage captured two male suspects breaking into the vehicle outside their residence on Loanda Close before driving away.

The stolen van is distinguishable by its missing hubcap on the rear right-hand side and features a distinctive sticker for the wheelchair ramp on the back doors. The suspects are described as two white males, around 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slim build, wearing black tracksuits, and one carrying a rucksack.

Anyone with information or sightings of the van is urged to report it to the authorities immediately, as every lead is crucial in reuniting Elijah with his essential means of transportation.

Scotland Yard has issued an urgent appeal to help find the grey Ford Transit Custom