A Toronto man with muscular dystrophy has recovered the $15,000 wheelchair stolen from his friend’s backyard last week.

Raymond Dell’Aera received a voicemail late Wednesday night from a woman who said she found his custom-made electric wheelchair in the Finch and Keele area where it was stolen on Sept. 22.

After contacting police, Dell’Aera went to the woman’s house Thursday to confirm it was his. He said she recognized the chair from the posters he put up in the neighbourhood.

“It was a good sight,” he said. “It means a lot to have it back.”

But he won’t be able to use it just yet; the chair has been damaged and the battery disconnected.

“It’s not operational,” said Dell’Aera. “We’re still in the process of getting it to the dealer so they can take a look at it.”

While effectively marooned without his chair, Dell’Aera embarked on a social media campaign to publicize his loss and gather donations for a replacement. He created a Facebook page and Twitter hashtag, #HelpRaymond, and has raised more than $800 through his website, HelpRaymond.com.

Several people offered to donate old wheelchairs, but Dell’Aera decided to keep fundraising so that he can pay for the necessary repairs on his tailor-made chair, which he needs to accommodate his height and distorted spine. In the meantime, Dell’Aera will use a wheelchair on loan from a local store.

The 25-year-old York University graduate left his wheelchair in his friend’s backyard for about seven hours while they watched movies and played video games inside. When it came time to leave, he noticed it was gone.

Dell’Aera said police are still trying to determine what happened, but that he’s glad to at least have some measure of closure.

“This is all going to get back to normal soon,” he said. “I’m just happy to have my chair back.”