HEARTLESS
Memorial garden owner devastated as thieves steal statue.
A sentimental statue has been stolen from a memorial garden in Sunderland, which honours the lives of 43 people buried in unmarked graves.
Gail Sheppard created the memorial in her front garden after moving into a lodge within the grounds of Sunderland Cemetery two years ago.
The lodges at the entrance to the cemetery in Grangetown are on consecrated land, which was used for burials more than a century ago. They still contain dozens of unmarked graves.
In memory of the 43 men, women and children buried in unmarked graves in her garden, Gail planted spring bulbs and poppies and bought a distinctive statue which she hoped would provide a lasting tribute to their lives.
But at some point between 10pm on Saturday, June 27, and 1pm on Sunday, June 28, thieves stole the statue.
She has now appealed for whoever took the statue to safely return it in order top reserve the memory of those who passed away generations ago.
Gail, 56, said: “The statue is not worth a great amount of money, but it’s worth a huge amount in sentiment,” she said.
“In my garden, there are 43 unmarked graves of men, women and children who were buried here 100 years ago.
“When I moved into this house, the idea of those buried–allof whom were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children who once lived and loved – having no recognition of their lives made me feel really sad. So I created a corner of my garden as a memorial with flowers–and most importantly, a statue of a woman looking to the ground which gave me great comfort that they are not forgotten.
“I am absolutely devastated that somebody would take something from this garden – not only have they stole my statue, but I feel they have stolen from those who are lying beneath.
“I’d appeal for anyone who knows where she is to return her to her rightful place – it’s of huge importance to me.”
An investigation has been launched into the theft and police have appealed for informationabout anyone be having suspiciously in the area of the cemetery on Sunday.
Sergeant Mark Ellis, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is clearly an item of huge sentimental value to the victim and we are eager to see it returned to her as soon as possible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101.