Cruel thieves have stolen presents worth £3,000 which were to be given to desperately ill children in intensive care over Christmas .
They took toys, equipment including decorations and a Father Christmas suit which was to be used for children spending the festive season in intensive care at St Mary’s Hospital .
The gifts were due to be given and used by the charity COSMIC (Children of St Mary’s Intensive Care) at its Carols by Candlelight Concert and Christmas party for the sick children and families.
A crowdfunding appeal has now been launched as the charity races against the clock to raise £3,000 to replace the missing presents.
The Virgin Money Giving page said: “Every year COSMIC runs a Carols by Candlelight Concert and Christmas party for the children and families that have been through so much.
"Sadly, this year we have had our equipment and toys for these events stolen.
"Even Santa’s suit went missing.”
They had been kept in a store room at the Paddington hospital in Pared Street. But sometime between October 3 and November 17 thieves broke in and took the presents.
The charity page continues: “With our storage area now out of commission, COSMIC Charity is appealing to any Christmas Elves out there to help the charity replenish by making a donation.”
A donation of £10 buys a present for a child, while £5 gets a Christmas decoration and £3 means a family can light a candle to remember or reflect on the last year.
The page was launched on Friday (November 25) and has so far raised £250.
Some of those who have given spoke of their shock and dismay at the theft.
Edward said: “I am so sorry to hear this news, there are some wrong people in this world! I am looking forward to seeing you at the Christmas carol concert x”, while another message read: “Merry Xmas to the kids and their families. And for the fundraisers for COSMIC, I hope there are many silver linings to your bad fortune this Xmas.”
Detective Sergeant Tom Hirst, from Westminster CID, said: “This is an awful crime at this time of year and hard to imagine what kind of person would steal gifts so clearly destined for sick children to make their lives a little brighter this festive season."
Anyone with information can contact police via 101 or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Carols by Candlelight concert takes place on December 5 at St Matthew’s Church in Bayswater. Tickets are available here .
The annual Children’s Christmas party takes place on December 11.
To give money to the Crowdfunding page click here .
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