Thieves Steal Christmas Presents From Seriously Ill Children At London Hospital
By Dreamer
More than £3,000 worth of Christmas presents were stolen from children at St Mary's hospital in Paddington last Tuesday.
The 150 gifts, decorations and a Santa suit were taken from a disused ward where they were being stored ahead of an annual Christmas party and candlelight concert.
The theft was noticed last Tuesday.
Details emerged today as the Cosmic charity - Children of St Mary’s Intensive Care - launched a crowdfunding appeal to replace the gifts.
The pediatric intensive care unit at St Mary’s treats children from across London, the Home Counties and beyond for conditions including meningitis, sepsis or trauma from an accident.
The theft happened at St Mary’s hospital in Paddington. Rex
Tina Halton, lead play specialist St Mary’s, said: “I was so sad when I heard that we may not have Santa this year. Everything we use at Christmas time is given to us and donated out of kindness for the children who so deserve to have a little fun at this time of year.
A Christmas party at St Mary's
“Santa has always worn the same suit at our children’s party and for a jolly visit to the wards on Christmas Day. It never fails to bring a smile to a poorly child’s face when they get a chance to meet the real Mr Claus and get a specially selected gift.
“We have been truly heartened by all the people who have already expressed their support and want to help make sure the kids have a Christmas we can remember for all of the right reasons.”
A Met Police spokesman said the force is appealing for witnesses following the incident at a store room between Monday October 3 and Thursday November 17.
Acting Detective Sergeant Tom Hirst said: "This is an awful crime at this time of year and heard to imagine what kind of person would steal gifts so clearly destined for sick children to make their lives a little brighter this festive season.
"We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible."
Anyone who can help is asked to call police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To donate to their cause visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=COSMICCharity_Christmas_Appeal
Sources: iTV - Standard.co.uk
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