Making it better – kind medic launches appeal

Midwife sets up fund for party for children with cancer after thieves steal cash tins

MONEY set aside to pay for a party for children with cancer and a breakfast for staff working on Christmas Day has been stolen from a hospital.

A fundraising appeal has been launched in an attempt to recoup the losses after three charity tins were stolen from Hillingdon Hospital.

The tins were taken from the Choices Restaurant at the Pield Heath Road hospital in Hillingdon.

Since the callous theft, kindhearted staff and members of the community have stepped in to help recoup the losses.

Hillingdon Hospitals Charity director, Andrew Bickerdike, said: “Although it is unknown exactly how much money the tins contained when they were stolen, they were quite full.

“This is such a shame. These people have stolen from their own community, from themselves.”

A midwife at the hospital, Denise Ahmed, heard about the thefts and has launched a Just Giving page in the hope of raising £300 to help the charity at Christmas.

Ms Ahmed said: “As a midwife at Hillingdon, I’m saddened and shocked at hearing this news today.

“Please can you spare whatever you can to give them a little something back.

“I appreciate it is hard to ascertain the amount of money they actually lost but figured something small is better than nothing.”

So far a total of £462 has been raised thanks to donations from 44 people.

One contributor commented: “Shocking theft of the collection boxes. Hope you raise the money for a wonderful party.”

Commenting after the target has been smashed Ms Ahmed added: “Thank you, thank you all once again, I’m absolutely overwhelmed at all of your generosity.”

The page will be open until January 13. You can donate either through www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/denise-ahmed or you can also use the Hillingdon Hospitals Just Giving page .

n SHOCKED INTO ACTION: Midwife Denise Ahmed (left) has launched a fund after cash meant for young patients was taken by thieves

As a midwife at Hillingdon I’m shocked at hearing this news. Please can you spare whatever you can to give them a little something back