CALLOUS thieves have targeted Myton Hospice’s Distribution Centre in Coventry – for the third time in 15 months.
The break-in occurred yesterday (Sunday March 29) less than two weeks after the city charity launched an urgent appeal for support amid financial crisis, following the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on its ability to raise vital funds.
Myton Hospice now faces a further financial blow after one of its Ford Transit vans was stolen and its Distribution Centre – in Herald Business Park, Golden Acres Lane, Binley – ransacked.
The van – donated by a generous local business in response to a plea for help following a previous theft – was a white short wheel base high top Ford Transit Van, registration MW15 NKU. It was locked inside the warehouse but thieves smashed a window to gain access and opened the metal shutters from inside, the charity reported today.
Every month Myton needs to raise £750,000 to provide care and support for people across Coventry and Warwickshire living with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, and their families. Currently all face-to-face fundraising is suspended, Myton’s 27 shops are temporarily closed and events for at least the next three months are cancelled or postponed.
Myton’s CEO, Ruth Freeman said: “We are shocked and saddened that someone would do this, particularly when we are already struggling with the financial impact of coronavirus whilst trying to maintain vital services for our patients and their families.
“We need to once again ask local people and businesses for their support to help us at this difficult time, and we don’t doubt that they will show us the generosity and compassion that we have seen before. Together we can make a difference and ensure we can care for the people who need us most, now and in the future.”
Myton has three hospices in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick and the only Inpatient Unit in Coventry and Warwickshire. Last year the charity supported more than 1,800 people and their families. It cares for patients with a wide range of life limiting illnesses including Respiratory conditions, heart conditions, cancer, Parkinson’s, renal failure and Motor Neurone Disease.
The charity says, if you are able to please make a donation, even a small amount will make a big difference – visit mytonhospice.org/appeal to donate and find out more.
Anyone with information about the latest incident which happened at the charity’s Distribution Centre on the Herald Business Park, Golden Acres Lane, Binley, Coventry should contact the Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 1440-29.
