Community helps Spalding charity hit by theft

The community has rallied round to raise hundreds of pounds after a charity’s shop and cafe was targeted twice by thieves on the eve of a special celebration.

The St Barnabas Hospice store is this week celebrating a year since moving from New Street, but a dampener was put on the celebrations when thieves broke into the shop overnight after closing on Monday, August 6.

They stole around £800, a collection tin that had yet to be counted and 100 of the £1 scratch cards.

The shop, which helps fund the end of life care hospice, was targeted again on Thursday night, but this time nothing was taken.

Having seen the article on The Voice’s Facebook page, Emma Wilson set up a Just Giving page in an attempt that to get the money back.

She also persuaded her employers, accountancy firm Moore Thompson to pledge to make up the difference if the public hadn’t made up £900. At the time of writing the fund stood at £675.

Emma said: “I’ve heard so many wonderful things about them and I just wanted to help give something back to these people that we never know, we might need some day. They help make the lives of patients and their loved ones slightly more bearable at such a difficult time.

Pete Bailey (11), Spalding United’s club mascot, donated his £2 weekly pocket money to the shop when he heard about the thefts.

Mascot Pete presents his pocket money after hearing about the thefts.

Another offer of support has come from Westlode Fisheries which is donating 10 per cent of all takings tomorrow (Friday) towards the shop.

Staff members say they’ve also had lots of support from people walking in off the street.

Caroline Peach, retail manager for St Barnabas, said: “We can’t thank Emma and everyone enough for their support and help.

“If the people who did these thefts could see what we do for the patients and their families they would have thought differently.

“We hope people won’t need us, but if the thieves should ever need us, perhaps they will realise the consequences of their actions.”

The shop’s anniversary celebrations are continuing at the store throughout this week and include competitions and special offers on food.