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Newsagent boosts fund after collection theft

Martin Fitch, his sister Julie Back and Oliver Smith with the money staff at BA Fitch newsagents have replaced after a collection box was stolen
Martin Fitch, his sister Julie Back and Oliver Smith with the money staff at BA Fitch newsagents have replaced after a collection box was stolen

A campaign to raise money to fund a poorly toddler’s cancer treatment has had another boost.

Last week we reported how a collection pot for three-year-old neuroblastoma sufferer Oliver Smith was stolen from the Boathouse Cafe in Barton’s Point Coastal Park in Sheerness.

It had around £55 which was to go towards the £150,000 his family are trying to raise for treatment he could need in Germany if his condition gets worse.

After reading the story, Martin Fitch, who owns BA Fitch newsagent in Sheerness, was so appalled at the theft he offered to replace the money.

He said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful that someone would do that.”

Mr Fitch and his staff presented the £55 to Oliver and his mum Natalie on Tuesday.

Natalie, of Coral Road, Minster, said she was overwhelmed at people’s generosity and said that just saying thank you did not seem enough.

The mayor and mayoress of Swale, Cllrs Ben Stokes and Sylvia Bennett, with Natalie and Oliver Smith and staff from Asda at the £2,000 cheque presentation
The mayor and mayoress of Swale, Cllrs Ben Stokes and Sylvia Bennett, with Natalie and Oliver Smith and staff from Asda at the £2,000 cheque presentation

On Saturday, Natalie and Oliver went along to the Asda store in Mill Way, Sittingbourne, where they were given a cheque for £2,000.

The money was raised at a pirate themed day last year where staff dressed up and there was face painting and a raffle.

Some workers even had their heads shaved to add to the appeal.

On the day, £1,000 was raised and the company has doubled the donation to £2,000.

A number of collection boxes have also been emptied, bringing in another £158.

There was £23 in the Conservative Club’s box, £64 at Queenborough Corner garage and £71 from the bucket in the Times Guardian office.

Oliver Smith Appeal logo
Oliver Smith Appeal logo

This means since the Oliver Smith Appeal was launched last June, generous Islanders have raised £66,842 – almost half the fundraising target.

Oliver’s grandad Dave Barton thanked everyone for all their hard work and generosity.

He said: “We would like to give a special thanks to Queenborough Corner garage – to the manager and all the girls there for all their donations and help and support over the last few months.”

To donate to the appeal, pop into the Times Guardian office where you can also buy wristbands and CDs, or visit www.bmycharity.com/oliversmithappeal

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