Mother of Tewkesbury olympic winner heartbroken after theft

12:03pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008

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THE MOTHER of olympic rower Zac Purchase has been left heartbroken after her camcorder containing images of her son’s gold-winning race in Beijing was stolen.

Sara Hoyler had the digital camcorder, which has the pictures on its hard drive, taken from her Plymouth home.

The devastated mother of the Tewkesbury hero said the footage of Zac’s triumph in China was worth “far more than any of the other stolen items put together” and is appealing for its return.

Thieves broke into her house in Wolseley Road, Saltash Passage, in the early hours of Thursday, August 21 and stole family possessions while she was asleep.

Ms Hoyler said: “It has been a tough few days coming to terms with this terrible theft. We need it back. It really does mean that much to me and all of Zac’s family.”

She had recorded a diary of events in China, including the moment Zac crossed the finishing line and the medal ceremony.

She added: “It isn’t just a video of the win, it was what I saw through my eyes as they came away with gold.

“It hasn’t ruined one of the best moments of my life watching my son’s win but it has upset me greatly.”

Zac and his rowing partner Mark Hunter secured gold in the lightweight men’s double sculls in the Beijing Games Anyone with information about the theft can call police on 08452 777 444, quoting ED/08/6179.

•A special homecoming parade for Zac will take place through the streets of Tewkesbury on Saturday (6).

The open top bus parade will start from Sun Street at about 2pm and go along the High Street, into Church Street and Gloucester Road before finishing up outside the council offices where it will be greeted by both mayors and other civic dignitaries.