A TRADER has thanked family, friends and the community for their fundraising efforts after a charity collection box was snatched by thieves from her store.
Gaynor James, who has run Pontypool’s baby wear business Individuality for 10 years, was shocked to discover a box containing donations towards The British Heart Foundation Cymru and SSAFA Armed Forces Charity had been taken from the counter on Saturday.
The 60-year-old, who recently went into business with veteran Pontypool market jeweller Graham Grisbrook, said an online fundraising page set up afterwards raised £130 in just five hours though.
She has now thanked donators for their generosity, describing the response as “amazing”.
“I was so upset and appalled when I originally found out but I’m so thankful that I have such wonderful family and friends,” she added.
“I really am the richest woman in the world.
“Customers of mine have also said they’re going to bring in some money for the charities. I’m just so chuffed with this.”
Mrs James, who previously raised £5,600 for charity while chair of Pontypool Community Council, said there is no CCTV at the store, so the culprits will “never be caught”.
She has reported the matter to Gwent Police and pleaded with anyone who has information to come forward.
“If anybody knows what happened or who did it please get in touch,” she said.
“I will still continue to fundraise and I won’t let them beat me.
“I have already had a couple or market traders and customers start the new tin off. It’s nailed strongly to the cupboard.”
The chairman of Pontypool Community Council, Jon Horlor, who set up the GoFundMe page to replace the lost charity money, said: “The British Heart Foundation Cymru and SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity, will now not lose out due to this callous crime.
“I will leave the campaign going online and hopefully we can raise even more money for these charities.
“Times are tough for people, especially at this time of year so it was especially gratifying to receive so much support in such a short period of time.”
If you have any information call 101 quoting log number 224/16/01/2017.
To support the charity fund visit: https://www.gofundme.com/chairs-charities
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