Paralympian's stolen boat 'won't be raceable again'

Rachel Morris has won two gold medals in different sports at the Paralympics

A Paralympic gold medallist whose adapted rowing boat was stolen said it has now been found but will "never be raceable again".

Rachel Morris called on those who took and abandoned her boat, named Rio Gold, to come forward so she can show them the impact its loss has on those at the club.

The boat, which is specially adapted for people with disabilities, was given to Guildford Rowing Club after Ms Morris's gold medal win at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Surrey Police has been contacted regarding its progress on the investigation.

The boat was kept at Guildford Rowing Club

Ms Morris told BBC Radio Surrey: "It has been found and that's great.

"But it's also very sad that somebody feels that it's an OK thing to do."

While she said it may be possible to repair the boat for use in training, due to internal damage done when she believes the keel hit the ground it can't be used as a racing boat again.

Ms Morris, who has won two gold medals in different sports at the Paralympics, reported her boat stolen in June and said it was found by junior rowers from the club in a nearby park in August.

Impact is 'huge'

For her, the loss of her own bespoke seat is the biggest issue, but she says for those at the club who rely on the boat to access sport, the impact is "huge".

They include people with degenerative conditions who use the boat and rely on it to maintain their mobility, and children with additional needs who are taken out on the boat.

Ms Morris said she would ask the person who took it to come forward to talk to her.

She added: "Not so I can scream and shout at them.

"I want them to understand why this boat has such a big impact on the people at the club."