Rowans Hospice staff left 'shocked' after thugs steal all four wheels from charity van

Thugs carried out the wheel theft over the weekend at Rowans Hospice’s warehouse in Farlington and the retail van has been left on blocks and out of action.

The Purbrook charity, which offers care for those with life-limiting illnesses, is now asking for help to get the vehicle back on the road.

Carol Milner, director of income generation at the hospice, said: ‘I am truly shocked that in the current healthcare crisis, the Rowans Hospice Charity has been targeted in such a carefully planned theft.

‘Charities across the country are being greatly impacted from coronavirus and as 87 per cent of our income is generated through fundraising, donations and our shops, we are having to think very differently and creatively during this difficult time.

‘Now is the time when the nation should be coming together in support of one another so we are appealing to our wonderful community of supporters to pull together and help us get back on the road again.’

A Facebook post about the theft has been shared nearly 800 times and residents have been left disgusted and have vowed to rally together to support the charity.

The post read: ‘Over the weekend one of our retail vans had ALL its wheels stolen from outside our Farlington Warehouse. In the midst of the current healthcare crisis we accept this is not a huge news story, but for us at the Rowans Hospice Charity it has left us absolutely shocked and saddened.

‘Who would do such a terrible thing to a local charity? As you can see from the photos, this was clearly a carefully planned and targeted theft.

‘Please share our post as far and wide as you can and if anyone can help get our van back on the road, please contact us by emailing [email protected]’