SHOCKED well-wishers have rallied around a Bromsgrove and Redditch hospice with offers of tools and cash, after the charity was hit by raiders who stole gardening equipment.

Around 20 individuals and businesses have contacted Primrose Hospice pledging a total of £1,500 in cash and to replace the stolen tools since the Advertiser revealed details of the burglary last week.

"We have had an overwhelming response from individuals and businesses, who were disgusted and couldn't believe that someone would steal from a hospice that treats people at the end of their lives," said Kate Kelly, corporate fundraiser for the hospice.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who has come forward with offers of help."

Following the response, the hospice will now not only be able to replace the items stolen from its garden storage sheds in St Godwalds Road, Bromsgrove, but is also looking into stepping up security, including upgrading CCTV for its grounds, to prevent any more break-ins.

Mrs Kelly said: "The money that has been pledged will help us to do that but we would also appeal to any businesses offering security systems to contact us to see if they could do something for us."

Among those touched by the plight of the hospice were Gary Bathurst and Matthew Broome, partners in G&A Mechanical Services, based in Dodford, who have offered to replace the stolen tools, worth around £200.

"It's bad that anyone would pinch from a charity like that and we want to help," said Mr Bathurst.

Stoke Prior Sports and Country Club is also planning to start collections for the hospice.

Staff and volunteers at the hospice were left shocked and disgusted after the burglary, highlighting that the cost of the stolen items could have been enough to pay for eight memory boxes to help children plan for the death of a parent - or four hours of specialist nursing care so that a patient could stay in their own home, rather than die in a hospital bed.

It costs £170 per day for a patient to attend the charity's day hospice, for patients living with life limiting illnesses, and be looked after by specialist teams.

Helen Briscoe, chief executive officer at the charity, said: “It is the lowest of the low, who can steal from a charity - especially one that supports people at the end of their life."

The hospice has to raise more than £1.3 million a year to offer its services free and its gardens offer patients and their families a calm place to relax, think and reflect.

The gardens are tended by a team of dedicated volunteers, who need the equipment to keep them in tip-top condition.

For more information about Primrose Hospice or to make a donation go to the charity, visit primrosehospice.org/donations or call 01527 875444.