A FATHER recovering from heart surgery has been left “devastated” by the theft of his car which was parked a few feet from his front door.

Chris Reardon, from Hillcrest, New Inn, was in his garden on October 24 when his new limited-edition Golf GTI, which is worth about £37,000, was taken from his driveway.

The 43-year-old father of two recently left hospital after receiving open-heart surgery.

He said: “I got home at about 3.20pm and I walked to the front to the house and backed the Golf to the door.

Mr Reardon’s friend Ben Gibbs, who was nearby at the time, told him the house front door was open.

“As I went to pull it shut, he shouted: ‘Somebody’s in your car’ and as I spun around, I heard a loud bang as they went over the next-door neighbour’s garden wall.”

Mr Gibbs gave chase while Mr Reardon phoned police in the house.

However, the theft has had an impact on Mr Reardon’s health.

Mr Reardon said: “I took one step inside the house, had a funny turn and collapsed on the floor. Ben came back in and called the ambulance.

“I had a stroke in July and had open heart surgery and a new aortic valve on August 21. I came out at the beginning of September and I am still visiting the consultants.

“In the hospital after I collapsed they told me that I had a few cracked ribs so I have gone back to square one in my recovery. I’m looking to eight to 18 months of recovery now; I am seeing the consultant next Friday.”

His wife, Sadie, uses the car to drive to work in Cardiff and the couple suspect the car was targeted because of its value.

The car uses a remote keyless system and does not need a key to start. As the fob to start the car was so close, it is thought the thief was able to start the car with just the press of a button.

Mr Reardon added: “I’m devastated. We would have not had keyless entry had we known how easy it is to break into them.

“We have been out shopping in the car and when the kids are asleep in the car we would take the bags to the door. They could have taken the car at any time and the kids could have been in the car.

“I haven’t slept since because I’m worrying.”

The car was discovered on Friday by a farmer in Upper Race. The wheels had been taken from the car as were its contents.

Anyone with information about the theft should call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 300 24/10/17 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.