GENEROUS Press readers have rallied to replace money taken by a callous thief, which had been collected to help a little girl from York with serious health issues.

Since The Press reported the theft of a collection tin containing hundreds of pounds from a market stall outside the Chill Cafe during last Saturday's Acomb Light Switch-on event, several people have come forward to help.

The money was to go towards creating a sensory room for Daisybella Bond, who suffers from Noonan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes a wide range of symptoms, such as heart abnormalities and unusual facial characteristics.

The three-year-old also has epilepsy, a heart defect, and blindness in one eye.

The Chill Cafe is planning to have a Santa's Grotto on certain dates from next weekend, and money from ticket sales was being kept in the collection tin.

Within hours of opening on Friday, the Chill Cafe, in Front Street, Acomb, had received about £375 in donations from members of the public and another "large cash donation" has been made, Jo Millner, the cafe's manager, said.

She added: "I just can't believe how lovely people have been. We have had so many donations through our website.

"So many people have sent kind messages."

Andrew Dinnen, of Poplar Street, Acomb, has donated £175 to Daisybella's fund, and has also given the girl a teddy.

York Press:

He said: "The family have ensued a horrendous time at the moment and anything I could give to help I did."

Meanwhile, the Ivy Lodge Care Home in Haxby is planning to hold a coffee morning next Saturday, with 50 per cent of the money raised from the event going to Daisybella's fund.

Her mum Sarajane Bond wants to create a sensory room for her at their home in Middleton Road, Acomb, which will help with her development and improve her quality of life.

Miss Bond said the room would be built at the side of their home and provide a colourful, relaxing and safe environment for Daisybella and also for her 11-year-old daughter Gracimai, who also has epilepsy.

The room will cost about £5,000, including equipment such as colourful lights and crash mats to ensure the children do not hurt themselves if they have a fit and fall.

Miss Bond commented: "I think the response from people has been fantastic. I feel privileged how everybody has helped. It is overwhelming."

The Chill Cafe is hoping to raise £1,500 in total for Daisybella.

Its Santa's Grotto event is an opportunity for children to visit Santa for half an hour and includes stories, songs, and a gift.

Sessions are available from 10am to 5pm on December 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

See www.chillcafe.co.uk/event-tickets for more details.

You can donate money to help Daisybella at www.chillcafe.co.uk Anyone with information about the collection tin theft last Saturday, which happened at about 2.30pm, should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12160213851.