A family have been left devastated after thieves broke into their home and stole more than £600 in cash from a fundraising head shave.
In January, Hannah Anderson, 17, from Brentwood, had over 100 inches cut off her hair to donate to the Little Princess Trust and all money raised was to be donated towards Little Havens Hospice, which cared for her sister, Katie, before she died there on 20th August 2015, aged 13.
Hannah shaved her head the day before what would have been Katie’s 16th Birthday.
Katie was diagnosed at 18 months old with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a genetic condition that causes non-cancerous growths to grow along the nerves.
Aged nine a growth was found at the top of Katie’s spinal cord.
Katie had several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy but died in 2015.
In total Hannah raised over £2,500 which included £660 in cash and a further £305 from an Easter egg raffle.
On Monday 16th April, the day before Hannah’s mum Dee was going to deliver the money to Little Havens, thieves broke into their house and stole the cash totally £965.
Dee said, “Hannah and I are absolutely devastated that the money which had been so generously given, and which Hannah had bravely fundraised for, has been taken.
“When Katie lost her hair through chemotherapy, Hannah promised her that she would shave her hair too, and donate it to the Little Princess Trust, to be made into wigs for children like Katie.
“Katie died before Hannah had a chance to fulfil her promise however in January this year, and to celebrate Katie’s 16th birthday, Hannah kept her promise.
“Sponsor money can take forever to collect but we managed to collect the last bit two weeks ago.
"Hannah is totally devastated that someone would do such a thing and feels that her efforts and her promise to her sister have been wasted.”
Dee has now set up a Go Fund Me page to try and recoup the money which was taken.
If you would like to make a donation towards the fund visit www.gofundme.com/big-hearts-vs-thief-lets-go.
Little Havens Hospice is part of Havens Hospices which also incorporates Fair Havens Hospice for adults and The J’s Hospice for young adults. Together they care for babies, children, teenagers, young people and adults with life-limiting conditions. They help by controlling pain and medication, offering respite and end of life care at their two hospices and in the community.
For more information visit havenshospices.org.uk.
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