SAT: 10.27am - Thief steals Zac's golden moment

THE MUM of Olympic gold medallist rower Zac Purchase has been left devastated after thieves stole the camcorder on which she had recorded her son's triumph in Beijing.

Sara Hoyler had recorded a diary of events in China, including the golden moment Tewkesbury-based Zac crossed the winning line.

Sadly, just days after returning to her Plymouth home, burglars ransacked the house, taking several items - including the camera containing the precious footage.

Sara, 49, said: "Some time in the early hours of the morning thieves broke into our home and stole lots of our possessions while we slept.

"Credit cards and money were taken, but none of that compares to the video camera which was stolen.

"The camcorder contained the footage I took of my son winning an Olympic Gold Medal."

She added: "That footage has so much sentimental value to me. It isn't just a video of the win, it was what I saw through my eyes as they came away with gold.

"I want that back. I am appealing to those who took it to give it back - please."