Barbara Gibson's life was turned upside down when she discovered that her partner of 10 years, Jon Ker, had been involved in a horrific plane crash at Bywell Farm, near Morpeth, on Sunday, December 30, last year.

But just a month on from the tragic incident, which she admitted hit her for six, Barbara, from Rothbury, has had to endure further heartache – her car was stolen while she was visiting Jon at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Barbara, 45, said: "I'm gutted. I can't believe it. What else can go wrong.

"I went to visit Jon in hospital and then just two hours later, no car.


"It was mine and Jon's. We've had it for just over a year. It was my pride and joy. I loved it.

"I have to admit, I haven't told him yet."

The Golf GTi was parked just a few minutes' walk away from Jon's ward at the RVI.

Thieves struck between 6pm and 8.20pm on Monday, pinching the car from Richardson Road.

But for Barbara, the most distressing aspect of the theft is the difficulty she now faces in travelling to Newcastle to visit Jon.

She said: "I am going to have to get lifts and hitchhike now until something can be sorted.

"And I can't really get the bus because there are no buses available after 6 o'clock and it isn't the easiest place to get to.

"It is such an inconvenience."

She added: "The car has probably gone now but the police have been brilliant."

Barbara said father-of-one Jon, 38, is recovering "well" after his ordeal. He was transferred to Newcastle's Walkergate Hospital yesterday (wednesday).

Speaking on Tuesday, before his transfer, she said: "Physically he is doing very well. His skin grafts are coming along really well and he is up and about with a zimmer.

"It is just his short-term memory now – he doesn't have a short-term memory at all.

"But hopefully, once we've got him to the Walkergate, which is a specialist rehabilitation place, things will move in the right direction."

And she added: "I just want to thank everybody who has helped in one way or another. Everyone has been so supportive and I can't thank people enough. You realise how many friends you've got. It is amazing."

• Have you seen Barbara and Jon's car? The Gulf GTI is British racing green, registration number P535 DSA. If you have, contact (u2002Northumbria police on 08456 043043 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.