Thieves steal thousands of pounds of gardening equipment from St Richard's Hospice

The hospice's chief executive has called the theft "despicable" after a ride-on lawn tractor and mower and strimmer were taken in an overnight break in discovered by staff on Friday (July 29).

Kind-hearted donations from the fundraisers helped to pay for the equipment to keep the garden and grounds of the Wildwood Drive hospice in top condition.

But now the generosity of supporters has swung into action once again with a Just Giving page set up by Tom Horton already raising over £500 in just a few hours.

Mark Jackson, hospice chief executive. said: “This was clearly premeditated and must have involved more than one person.

"Any theft is despicable but this is even more callous to steal from a charity which relies on generous donations from the public.

"It’s a crime against the whole community.”

Thieves ripped off the side door of the locked garden shed and opened the locked double doors from the inside.

They then cut through two fences and sawed down a damson tree and laurel shrub in order to reach the get-away vehicle parked on Spetchley Drive at the back of the hospice.

Mr Jackson added: “The tranquil garden and grounds of St Richard’s are particularly important to our patients and their loved ones, giving them a beautiful space to look out on from their hospice beds, see the flowers and wildlife or stroll around and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

"We particularly need the gardening equipment at this time of year as the grass is growing so fast and our hospice team of staff and volunteers work very hard to keep the garden immaculate.”

Police are now investigating the theft of the Mountfield model M5-4000TH ride-on mower, Honda strimmer and brushcutter and Mowerland petrol lawn mower.

Mr Horton, age 30 and from Blackpole, said he was in "utter disbelief" when he found out about the theft and wanted to do something to help.

"I, along with many others on social media asked ourselves, “How can they do this to a charity?!”

"This was why I immediately set up a JustGiving page.

"I could not see St Richard’s go without and, if they were to find the stolen equipment, they had extra funds for the vital day to day care of their patients.

"They are an amazing local charity who do not deserve to be put through situations such as this.

"If anyone would like to donate, I would be extremely grateful.

"I am overwhelmed by the one anonymous donation of £500 received so far."

The Just Giving page can be found at www.justgiving.com/StRichardsGarden.

Anyone with information about the theft should call the non-emergency police number on 101 quoting reference number 0392S 290716.