A gardener who has overcome mental health issues to build up a flourishing business has had hundreds of pounds of equipment stolen.

Thieves broke into Kevin Lawrence’s garage at his Chatham home and snatched tools including hedge trimmers and strimmers, at a total value of about £1,600.

The theft has devastated Kevin, 34, who suffers from autism, ADHD and clinical depression. He was severely bullied while working part-time to fund his studies at Hadlow College where he gained a gardening qualification.

His passion for gardening paid off after tidying up the grounds of his local church, St Philip and St James in Walderslade, led to offers of paid work.

He also helped out at King’s Church, Chatham where his father John had been a caretaker.

He approached the Prince’s Trust for advice on book-keeping and IT skills and won a £500 loan to buy equipment after joining the trust’s business start-up programme. He has even met Prince Charles twice at awards ceremonies.

The family have been appalled by the theft at their home in Wyles Road between 4pm on October 7 and 6am the following day.

Mum Karen said: “Whoever did this is complete low life. In the past, he has faced so many challenges and been picked upon.

“We have had to pick up pieces with him a lot of times. But despite this he has come through it all.

“I am very proud of him and people say some lovely things about him. This has left him withdrawn and distraught.”

Kevin, who runs Kevin Lawrence Garden Services, has around 75 clients in Medway and the surrounding area and regularly works seven days a week.

Dad John, who works part-time as a cleaner, said: “He has got where he is today through word of mouth and not letting anyone down.

“He always tries to make sure he has a double set of tools and he always arrives at a job on time.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 01474 366149 quoting reference XY/39824/16.

Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.