Thieves stole precious memories of our Becky
FAMILY OF CANCER-TRAGEDY DAUGHTER IN PLEA FOR RETURN OF JEWELLERY
THE parents of a young woman who died after being diagnosed with bone cancer have had their hearts shattered once more after thieves broke into their home days and ransacked their daughter’s room – stealing her precious jewellery box.
Rebecca - or Becky - Briggs, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was just 23 when she passed away following an 18-month battle with the disease.
The former Hartshead High pupil was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma - a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer - in August 2014 after experiencing severe pain in her side.
She underwent treatment in hospital, but the cancer spread and she died in February 2016 .
Becky loved fashion and beauty, and despite the effects of her gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy she always endeavoured to look her best.
When she passed away, her family kept hold of some of her most treasured jewellery as keepsakes to remember her by.
But on December 20, thieves broke into David and Paula Briggs’ home on Farnsworth Avenue. They ransacked every room, taking not only Christmas presents, but also the box containing Becky’s jewellery. Police have been unable to trace the criminals, so the family decided to launch an appeal for help to get their belongings back.
Becky’s dad David, 54, said items taken included two crosses and chains that had been given to his daughter by her grandparents, as well as a gold bangle she had had since she was a little girl.
A Tag Heuer watch, bought for David by Becky and her sister Rachael, 28, for his 50th birthday was also stolen.
He said it was one of the last gifts he received from his daughter, and that it, along with the other items, hold huge sentimental value.
Images of the jewellery have been sent to pawn and second-hand shops.
David said: “We are desperate to try and retrieve what we can.
“We are heartbroken to have someone come into our home and take away items that are very precious to us.
“They haven’t got massive financial value to anyone, but to us they are sentimentally significant and if anything could be returned we would be delighted to get it back. “They are irreplaceable.” The house was targeted between 3.30pm and 8pm on December 20.
Becky’s sister Rachael posted an appeal on Facebook for information, shared almost 1,000 times.
It read: “Yesterday some absolute low-life scumbags broken into my mum and dad’s house.
“My mum and dad are devastated as am I.
“They ransacked every room, including Becky’s [and took] a box of her jewellery that has so much sentimental value.
“Also taken was my dad’s Tag Heuer watch we bought him for his 50th birthday, my mum’s box of jewellery, a tablet and Christmas presents for the family.
“If anyone hears anything about any items being sold please can you let us know.”
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101.