A Wells family already facing heartbreak has been dealt a devastating blow after a van containing a self-employed father's livelihood was stolen while he was visiting his critically ill son in hospital.

The van — packed with every tool he needs for work — was taken from outside Bristol Children's Hospital on Sunday 27 April while he was inside at his son's bedside.

His sister Kim, who is now fundraising to help the family recover, said: "They didn't need this. Not now."

The theft came at a time of acute stress for the family, as their son Dylan had been admitted to hospital once again. Dylan, now 11, lives with severe brain damage following a choking accident in 2015 that left him fighting for his life just two weeks before his fourth birthday. He has spent much of his life since then in and out of hospital and relies on round-the-clock specialist care.

Kim explained that her brother had packed the van with tools earlier than usual that day to give him more time at the hospital. "On any other day the van would've been empty," she said. "But he wanted to spend as much time as he could with Dylan."

Now, with Dylan in hospital and his dad's tools gone, the family are trying to get through one of the most difficult periods they've ever faced — with no way to earn a living.

"He's always the first to step up when someone else needs help," Kim said. "Now he's the one who needs a hand."

She's launched a fundraiser to try to raise £5,000 to help replace what's been lost. "We know we won't get everything back. But even being able to replace some of the tools — that would be huge," she added.

You can read Dylan's story and donate here: Dylan's story

Kim is urging anyone who can help — even a little — to step in: "Every donation will help him rebuild what was taken, so he can keep going for his family."