Sam Fender fan David Birdsey has spoken of his heartache at losing his pride and joy - a mobility scooter signed by the Brit award winning North Shields star.
It broke down and was scrapped last month and he can't afford to replace it.
Equally as bad for David, 49, the scooter was disposed of before he could remove the front panel with Sam and his band's signature on.
Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around the North East
It has left him housebound and the loss of it hit him hard recently after Sam won his Brit award and returned home to celebrate at the Low Lights Tavern in North Shields.
David from Cullercoats said: "I would have loved to go but couldn't make it without my mobility scooter."
Because of a series of health conditions his weight has ballooned to around 30 stones which made it impossible for him to get there.
He admits it is affecting his mental wellbeing and is hoping someone will answer his plea for help.
David said: "I have autism, and am physically disabled due to spinal degeneration, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.
"I'm a big fan of Sam Fender, and have been lucky enough to meet Sam and his band on numerous occasions.
"They are the best lads, and even took me for drinks at the Low Lights Tavern.
"I've been using a mobility scooter to get about. I was using a walking frame until I couldn't walk anymore.
"The band and Sam signed the front of my scooter, and it was my pride and joy.
"I always had problems taking it out in the cold, and my scooter broke down on January 13. I was stranded for two and a half hours with people bringing me tea and blankets in the cold.
"My insurance got me and the scooter home, but refused to pay out for the scooter repair as it was a mechanical fault, not caused by an accident or vandalism.
"When I contacted a local company, they said it was beyond repair. They said it was only good for scrapping. I couldn't even keep the signed front panel."
"I'm completely lost without it, and wanted to go see Sam at the Low Lights on his return home after his Brit win."
David hasn't left his home since January 13 and his health is suffering. He said doctors had to be called out as he had suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his legs.
DVT causes blood clots to form and can be fatal. One of the causes of it is inactivity and the sufferer seated in the same position for too long. David also said his legs were developing infections.
He said: "I took out a loan and bought the scooter three and a half years ago.
"I did that because I was told there were problems getting it through PIP and if I owned it it couldn't be taken away. I'm still paying off the loan and can't afford another one."
To lease a scooter through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants need to have at least 12 months remaining on their allowance when they apply.
"I don't have enough time on my current PIP award to get a scooter through the Motability scheme, it's all such a mess."
He is expecting a DWP review in the near future which potentially could see him get a scooter through PIP but that's not guaranteed and the stress of the situation is hitting him hard.
"I wish somebody could help me. I'm really struggling to cope and need to get out," he said.
Explaining the system of claiming a scooter through the Motability Scheme, the DWP said in relation to mobility needs Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is available to those who have a long term health condition or disability and they have difficulty getting around.
PIP consists of two components, a daily living part - if you need help with everyday tasks, and a mobility part - if you need help with getting around.
The mobility component has two rates, a lower rate and a higher rate. If a person qualifies for the higher rate they can choose to join the Motability Scheme which means that in exchange for part or all of their mobility component they receive a leased car, wheelchair or powered chair/scooter.
How someone chooses to use their mobility allowance is entirely up to that individual.
Whilst an eligible benefit allowance provides access to the Motability Scheme, the recipient can also choose not to join the Scheme, and to spend the allowance however they see fit for their individual circumstances.
Whilst the Department works closely with Motability, and is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability scheme, Motability is an independent charitable organisation that is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the scheme.
