Thieves steal from Angmering Sophie’s collection

That’s the view of Debbie Nugent, whose daughter, Sophie, has been at the heart of a community fund-raising campaign, and who found out on Sunday (November 14) that the tin had been stolen from the Co-op in Angmering. It is the second time it has happened at the store since the campaign began in February.

She said: “I’m feeling very angry that yet again a low life can just walk in and take a charity tin. They are not to make someone rich, these tins are to help needy charities.”

Sophie, five, has cerebral palsy and first appeared in the Littlehampton Gazette nine months ago, when her family was raising £40,000 to take her to the USA for a life-changing operation, not available in this country, that would allow her to walk unaided.

The Angmering tot captured the hearts of readers, who did whatever they could to help raise the funds, and the operation was performed in July.

She can now walk unaided, and is getting better every day, but only with the help of intensive, daily physiotherapy, which the NHS will not provide, and so the Nugents are still fund-rasing.

The tin, estimated to have contained about £300, would have paid for a week of the therapy.

Debbie said: “We needed more than £40,000 but we didn’t go out and steal it as we have morals.

“I worked myself silly to raise money, so why should someone get away with stealing it from her?

“The public love to help Sophie’s cause, and I can’t imagine how they’re feeling, as it’s their hard-earned money that is helping to pay for Sophie’s aftercare.

“I am so upset for the community and Sophie.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said the theft had happened shortly before noon on Sunday, when a man snatched the collection box from the counter on the shop, in The Square.

He is described as white, about 5ft 10in, with short, black hair. He was wearing dark jeans, white trainers, a black 
t-shirt with buttons and a blue patchwork hoodie, with a black lining.

Anyone with information should call Littlehampton police on 0845 60 70 999.

* See the special supplement for more pictures of Sophie at the Gazette/Herald Community Stars Awards.

* JWF Wrestling, based in Worthing, wants to put on a charity wrestling match in aid of Sophie, but needs a venue in the area. If you can help, call Mary Vear on 07979 888111.