Heartless thieves target Warwickshire and Coventry hospice charity amid 'financial crisis caused by coronavirus'

Heartless thieves have targeted a Warwickshire and Coventry hospice charity amidst financial crisis caused by the Coronavirus outbreak

The Myton Hospice's launched an urgent appeal for support less than two weeks ago in light of the impact the Coronavirus outbreak is having on their ability to raise vital funds.

Then on Sunday afternoon March 29 Myton was dealt a further financial blow when one of its vans was stolen and its distribution centre in Coventry ransacked.

It is the third time in 15 months that the charity has been targeted in this way.

The vehicle that was stolen on this occasion was donated by a generous local business in response to a plea for help following a previous theft.

The White Short Wheel Base High Top Ford Transit Van, registration MW15 NKU, was secured within the warehouse but thieves smashed a window to gain access and opened the metal shutters from inside.

Myton’s CEO, Ruth Freeman said: We are shocked and saddened that someone would do this, particularly when we are already struggling with the financial impact of Coronavirus whilst trying to maintain vital services for our patients and their families.

"We need to once again ask local people and businesses for their support to help us at this difficult time, and we don’t doubt that they will show us the generosity and compassion that we have seen before.

"Together we can make a difference and ensure we can care for the people who need us most, now and in the future.”

Every month Myton needs to raise £750,000 to provide care and support for people in Coventry and Warwickshire living with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, and their families.

Currently all face to face fundraising is suspended, Myton’s 27 shops are temporarily closed and events for at least the next three months are cancelled or postponed.

To make a donation or find out more about the charity go to: www.mytonhospice.org/appeal to donate and find out more.

Anyone with information about the latest incident which happened at the charity’s Distribution Centre on the Herald Business Park, Golden Acres Lane, Binley, Coventry

should contact the Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 1440-29.