A CHARITY which provides vital care and support for people dying of cancer has condemned thieves that stole from it as the "lowest of the low".

Staff and volunteers at Primrose Hospice have been left shocked and disgusted after burglars broke into garden storage sheds at its hospice in St Godwalds road in Bromsgrove and stole gardening equipment valued at around £200.

Money that could have been used to pay for eight memory boxes to help children plan for the death of a parent or four hours specialist nursing care so a patient can stay in their own home and not die in a hospital bed.

It costs £170 per day for a patient to attend the charity's day hospice, for patients living with life limiting illnesses, and be looked after by specialist teams.

Helen Briscoe, chief executive officer at the charity, which relys on donations, said everyone is "shocked and upset" at the incident, which happened last week.

"We were very sad and shocked that someone can even think to steal from a charity," she said.

“It is the lowest of the low, who can steal from a charity - especially one that supports people at the end of their life."

The charity gets about 17 per cent of its funds from the health sector so has to raise more than £1.3 million per year to offer services for free.

The gardens are an integral part of the charity's environment and offers patients and their families a calm place to think and reflect as well as somewhere to relax.

Ms Briscoe said: "When someone faces an end of life diagnosis it is a very difficult and turbulent time emotionally.

"We are fortunate to have beautiful grounds at the hospice and it is an important part of our environment. Many people can find peace in the garden amongst nature when they are struggling to come to terms with their illness.

"Children affected by losing a parent can play and take part in activities outdoors so it is a really precious space.

"All our garden maintenance is done by a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers who come week in and week out to tend the grounds no matter what the weather is.

"They do need equipment to keep the gardens looking so lovely and it is very sad that someone can steal from us in this way.”

She said the charity will have to pay to replace the equipment and is currently thinking about updating its security camera system, adding outdoor lighting and even installing new electronic gates - all items which will take hundreds of pounds more from people who desperately need it.

For more information about Primrose Hospice or to make a donation go to the charity, visit primrosehospice.org/donations or call 01527 875444.