By Chris Cornford
Police have put out an appeal to find a heartless thief who stole jewellery from a dying woman.
Sharon Humby reported the theft to the police after her beloved mum, Brenda Messenger, died on April 13 at the age of 86. She is now turning to the Island community to help find the missing gold bangle and ruby and diamond ring by reporting any information they may have to the police.
She said: “My mum was taken to A&E on April 12 and, later that day, moved to the Acute Admissions Unit. I was with my mum all this time until I left around 9.30pm as she was sleeping.
“I got a call on April 13 to ask me to come quickly to the ward as mum had deteriorated. As I sat with Mum, watching her slowly slipping away, I noticed some of her jewellery was missing.
“It has been so hard to come to terms with losing my mum but the grief is more devastating knowing that, as she lay dying in her hospital bed unaware of her surroundings, someone has removed these two items.
“Poor mum was unable to protect herself. Please can you help me find these items as the sentimental value means so much more than the monetary value.”
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “At some time overnight, between April 12 and April 13, a solid gold bangle and a ruby and diamond ring were stolen from an 86-year-old patient at St Mary’s Hospital.
“We would like to speak to anyone who has any information about this theft. Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting 44210161591.”
St Mary’s Hospital are also investigating the loss of the items. A spokesman for the NHS Trust said: “We are truly sorry for the loss of Brenda and the pain her family are feeling.
“We are sorry, too, for the extra hurt caused by the disappearance of her jewellery while she was in our care.
“We have investigated and found no sign of the lost items, but we will share this appeal with all our staff in case anyone has any information that might reunite the family with these treasured possessions.”
Press Release