A FATHER-OF-TWO who has been unable to talk since he had specialist speech equipment stolen a month ago has finally been given a replacement.

Justin Cramp, of West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe had his Lightwriter stolen from outside his house on April 23 and for a month he has struggled without the £2,500 gadget.

The unit allows him to communicate by typing words onto a screen.

The equipment was not insured which caused a problem with getting a replacement.

The matter was eventually resolved when Thames Valley Health Authority agreed to pay the full cost.

The 30-year-old was delighted to pick up his new machine from the speech and language department of Amersham Hospital last Thursday.

Mr Cramp, speaking through his girlfriend, told of the trauma of losing his Lightwriter. He said: "I'm still a bit unhappy about the other one being stolen because I haven't been able to communicate. It's been difficult and very stressful."

Mr Cramp's girlfriend Sheryl Green is able to understand some of what Mr Cramp says, but admits that without the Lightwriter things have been very difficult for both of them.

She said: "Not being able to talk to people really winds him up. I can understand him sometimes but it's tiring and it's so frustrating for him."

Mr Cramp said that he has insured his new Lightwriter and will keep a close eye on it from now on.

He is also convinced that the support of the Free Press has helped with his fight to get the replacement.

Mr Cramp lost the use of his voice nine years ago when he was involved in a serious car accident in Green Hill, High Wycombe.

A spokesman from social services said: "Justin isn't able to communicate with speech, but he uses his Lightwriter very well.

"People who know him very well can understand some of what he's saying. He's a great character."