THE son of the woman who was a victim of theft while in hospital has said he is “dumbfounded” after a Worcester man came forward to offer to replace the stolen money.

Reader Len Marshall was so disgusted after reading the story on yesterday’s front page that he called your Worcester News to say he would replace the whole amount that was stolen from 79-year-old Pershore woman Margaret Challenger.

Mrs Challenger, who is very ill, had a total of £50 – as well as precious photographs of her late father – taken on two separate occasions after being admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Thursday, November 19.

As soon as Mr Marshall read the story, he felt he had to do something.

He said: “It is an appalling, low and horrible thing to do to someone, absolutely despicable. I wanted to offer the money so it would just restore some faith in humanity.”

Mr Marshall declined to reveal his address.

On hearing the news, Mrs Challenger’s son, Pete, aged 51, of Monks Close, Pershore, was lost for words. He said: “I am just a bit dumbfounded that there are people out there like that – it’s fantastic.

“Please just thank him very much on behalf of my mum.”