THE family of disabled boy Christopher Jennison, confronted by a burglar in his bedroom who stole his treasured PlayStation, today thanked well-wishers who flocked to help after his plight was revealed in the Evening Press.

They have urged generous readers who want to help to direct their support towards a local charity.

The Evening Press reported on Monday how, within hours of the break-in on Friday, a generous reader had given Christopher a new PlayStation.

Other readers also gave gifts to Christopher, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic illness which leaves him wheelchair-bound, after they read of his ordeal.

His family say the intruder robbed him of his "security and peace of mind" when he stood in his room in North Moor Gardens, Huntington, and warned him to be quiet.

The heartless criminal then stole the 12-year-old's new PlayStation, games, console, joysticks, 15 DVDs and the family's holiday fund.

His grandmother, Brenda Jennison, said Press readers had kindly given him £20 towards his holiday, a Game Boy and three PlayStations, including one from Argos, and a £40 gift voucher.

She said it had helped restore Christopher's faith in other people.

He slept in his bed again for the first time on Tuesday following his ordeal.

But the family do not feel they can accept any more support, and instead they have appealed for any other well-wishers to support the York branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign charity, to help other, less fortunate children with the illness.

"People have been so kind and I thank everyone for that," said Brenda. "We are really grateful for people's offers. Now he thinks everyone is kind, which is lovely.

"It is quite a rare illness and there's no cure, unfortunately. But there could be if they had more funding. Things move on. Even if it is too late for Christopher it might not be for other children. I am sure there are children not as fortunate as Christopher who has people around him looking after him."

Pam Richardson, chairwoman of the charity's York branch, said Christopher's ordeal had been "absolutely appalling".

"I can't imagine what he is going through. He must be frightened out of his skin. When you have a disability and are struggling to get everything you need to make your life normal - for someone to steal those things is horrendous. It is wonderful to hear that the public is rallying around. If his family wants to get in touch we will do what we can."

Updated: 10:18 Thursday, September 01, 2005