A CASH-STRAPPED charity which provides a lifeline for children with disabilities have been left “crushed” after a donation tin containing hundreds of pounds was stolen.

The thieves who stole the collection tin from De Grey Rooms, in St Leonard’s Place, which was raising vital funds for children’s charity SNAPPY have been branded “despicable” by the charity’s project manager, Anne Stamp.

Money was being collected as part of a treasure hunt aiming to raise money for the locally based charity, which helps children and young people with special needs.

People were urged to buy a £1 clue sheet to embark on the treasure hunt for a hidden Art Nouveau-style aquamarine and diamond ring set in 14ct rose gold valued at £595.

The clue sheets were available from various outlets in York, including the one at De Grey Rooms, and the money taken were put in collection tins at each outlet.

Mrs Stamp, who said the Lowther Street-based charity was “really struggling” in the current economic climate, described the thieves as “heartless”.

“We are crushed,” she said. “It is more than the money, although it is desperately needed by the charity which is really struggling at the moment.

“But this money was for disabled children – the tin had pictures and words depicting that – so for someone to be this heartless and steal it is unbelievable.

“I do not know how that person can live with themselves.

“We have been campaigning for fundraising at the moment for financial help – and when people kindly donate their money to the cause, somebody has just come and taken it all away.

“It can put other people off donating.

“The police have been very good, but there is no CCTV footage so there is little that can be done.”

Keith Mulhearn, of tour operator Complete York and organiser of the treasure hunt, said: “There is no doubt that this is a disgraceful thing to do and the person responsible should be very ashamed.

“Life is constantly showing us that for every bad thing that happens something good can emerge, I hope for SNAPPY that this continues.”

Anyone with any information of the theft or the whereabouts of the missing collection tin should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247.


...but shop workers help lift the spirits

A TEAM of workers from chocolate shops across the country gave a York charity a makeover as a 25th birthday present.

The group of 16 Hotel Chocolat staff managed to paint the walls of SNAPPY’S play yard, paint colourful designs on the floor and transform the garden into a sensory garden in only one day.

SNAPPY, which is based in Lowther Street, provides play and recreational activities for children and young people with special needs.

Fiona Stewart, manager of the Hotel Chocolat in Leeds, took part in the revamp. “It was absolutely fantastic,” she said.