Phil McGrenaghan of Cancer Connect NI is no longer smiling after the recent theft RMG13
VOLUNTEERS at Cancer Connect were “disheartened” and “upset” after cruel thieves targeted a van outside their premises which was loaded with goods for Christmas hampers.
On Saturday December 19th, thieves broke into a van outside the Cancer Connect therapy centre on the Forthill Road. In doing so the thieves damaged both the van and completely destroyed the contents, which was thought to be in the region of £400-£500 .
Damage was also caused to the bodywork and doors of the van.
The contents of the van, was for cancer patients and included mainly food and gift items to make hampers, to give to them at Christmas time.
Fiona McGarrity and Phil McGrenaghan who were both involved with organising the Christmas hampers were left devastated by the incident, however were determined to spread Christmas cheer.
Fiona said, “It was awful because people had donated money to us. We don’t know who did it as there was no CCTV in operation. We are relying on any information that the public can give us.”
Phil McGrenaghan added, “Our volunteers arrived on Saturday to pack the hampers only to find the contents had been so badly damaged, that it couldn’t be used. – It was a heartbreaker and there is no doubt it is hard to get your head around why someone would do that. It disrespects the good work that our volunteers do.
“We won’t let it deter the work that we do and we will do that work with dignity. We are blessed with the good number of volunteers, who came and helped us get the place cleared, so that we could get the hampers ready for delivery.”
Despite the vandals’ efforts the hampers were all delivered to Cancer Connect clients by last Tuesday morning, in time for Christmas. This was also thanks to a local business who allowed the charity to take what they needed in order to get the hampers out in time.
Police are appealing for information following the incident. The van was broken into sometime between 9pm on Friday 18th and 9.30am on Saturday 19th December.
The investigating officer, Constable Maguire, has appealed for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or who has any information about this incident to contact police in Enniskillen on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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