Memorial flowers for Chloe snatched from her parents’ Havant garden
UPSET Chloe Challoners dad Jamie Giblen outside his Leigh Park home. Inset, Chloe. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (120305-2)
GRIEVING parents were left heartbroken after flowers laid in memory of their 10-year-old daughter were stolen.
Jamie Giblen and Becci Challoner, who lost little Chloe to cancer last week, created a floral display on their front gate in her memory.
But the couple were sickened when they discovered around six bouquets – most of which were placed by Chloe’s friends – and a pink bucket had been snatched during the night.
‘We just can’t believe someone would do something like this,’ Mr Giblen said.
‘It’s very clear that it’s a memorial for a little girl, there is a picture of Chloe in the middle of the flowers. I can’t understand how anyone could steal from it.
‘Some of the flowers are from children the same age as Chloe – they will be so upset to see that someone has taken them. Whoever did it must not have children because what they did is so incredibly disrespectful.’
Chloe died last Friday at her home in Rooksbury Croft, Leigh Park, weeks before she was due to fly to America for an operation to help her fight the rare bone cancer osteosarcoma.
The trip was to be paid for by £10,000 raised by supporters, including readers of The News.
The money will now be donated by the family to charities that helped the youngster, as reported yesterday.
Mr Giblen added: ‘Everyone we know has been so supportive, especially the younger ones. That’s why it was so shocking when we found out that the flowers and one of Chloe’s buckets were gone.
‘We’re both devastated.’
Police are carrying out investigations and urging any witnesses to the theft, which happened between 8pm on Wednesday and 7.30am yesterday, to come forward.
Sgt Richard Thompson, from the Leigh Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: ‘This is a despicable incident in which two parents, devastated at the loss of their daughter, have suffered further distress at the hands of heartless thieves.
‘Our deepest sympathies are with the family and we are working to identify the person or people responsible.
‘I would urge anyone with information to contact me as soon as possible’
Anyone with information should contact Sgt Thompson on 101 or 0845 045 4545, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Thursday 23 February 2012
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Comments
There are 6 comments to this article
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BrigitteB
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 02:16 PMBless your heart pretty one! x
Budgie One
Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 12:14 PMMay she rest in peace, and may mum and dad find comfort in time to come. Those responsible for this outrage should be caught and punished, but sadly this may never happen. One can only take a moment to think of the anguish this act causes, but those that did it clearly do not think.
udontknow
Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 09:33 AMSorry to hear about Chloe, that smile shows she was brave and wouldn't let anything stand in the way of enjoying. her time here. Hopefully the ones responsible will either return them or get caught or better come down with the same condition.
freespirit
Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 01:02 AMI hope these thieves are caught and serverly punished and are made to suffer for the terrible crime and distress they have caused. tto relatives and friends of Chloe.
smeagal
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 05:27 PMUtter Scum. How low can folks get . Let us hope the boys of the park catch them before the police as they would deserve everything they got . And then they should be sent to prision and forgotton
hugo
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 05:16 PMWhat a disgusting thing to do.....shame on whoever did this, these people dont deserve the oxygen they are breathing.
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