A SHOP owner is “disgusted and deeply saddened” after a collection box containing funds for Willowbrook Hospice was stolen from her premises.

Vicky Lowe, owner of News N General on Tickle Avenue, Parr, better known as Tickle Avenue Sandwich Bar, was devastated to find out that someone had snatched the donation box on Saturday, February 11.

The mum-of-three has been collecting money for the hospice, which cares for people with a life-limiting illness living in the St Helens and Knowsley areas, for around three years and this is the first time an incident like this has happened.

The 38-year-old said: “It’s the fact that I help people a lot which has upset me so much.

“I feel disgusted and deeply saddened that people wouldn’t think to ask me if they were short of cash, rather than take it from a deserving place.

“I feel like I can't trust any of my customers now, which really upsets me because I have built up a good relationship with them.

“Many of my family and friends have sadly had to use the hospice so it means a lot to me, I even made and sold bracelets to raise money.

“I hope the person who did this comes forward and gives back the donations.”