Thieves steal garden equipment from cancer charity

Bosses at Fighting All Cancers Together have described the break-in as "upsetting"

Thieves have stolen gardening equipment worth hundreds of pounds from a charity supporting people with cancer.

The materials were taken from the main office of Fighting All Cancers Together (FACT) in Springwell Road in Wrekenton, Gateshead.

FACT chief executive Joanne Smith said the break-in had been "upsetting", and the stolen items were worth more than £1,300.

Northumbria Police said it was investigating a "report of a burglary" at the address.

“Offenders gained access to the premises and stole gardening and building equipment, before making off," a force spokesperson said.

The materials, which included 50 decking boards, 30 lengths of timber and 15 bags of compost, were set to be used for planters and raised beds at the charity's centre in Gateshead.

'Turns your stomach'

FACT provides a range of non-clinical services for people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and carers.

Ms Smith said the charity had started a fundraiser to replace the materials following the break-in, which had happened between 20 and 21 April.

"It's awful. It just turns your stomach, it's not nice at all," she said.

"You spend time with your team and volunteers to give things to people, to make sure they've got the help and support they need and to create a nice environment for that.

"To have people try to take that away from people who are already struggling because of a cancer diagnosis, it's really upsetting."

Northumbria Police has asked anyone with information to get in touch.