A CHARITY is appealing for the community to come forward with donations after being the victim of a burglary.

The Sue Ryder shop at Meadway Precinct was hit by thieves at the weekend and staff estimate they have lost around £1,200 as a result.

The shop, which sells a wide selection of high-quality second-hand clothing, books and homewares, was broken into between 5pm on Saturday and 9am on Monday.

Damage was sustained to the front door and interior door of the shop, with cash stolen.

Following a temporary closure and police enquiries, the shop has now reopened and the team of staff and volunteers are appealing to the public for donations to help replenish lost money.

Emma Corke, Sue Ryder Meadway shop manager, said: “It’s such a great shame that our shop, which has been supporting Sue Ryder’s care for so many years, was broken into over the weekend.

Reading Chronicle:

"It’s one thing to break into a shop, and another to target a charity shop.

“When we add up the money stolen by the thieves, the cost of the repairs to both doors and the trading time we missed out on due to our temporary closure, we estimate that we will have lost over £1,200.

"This is money that could have paid for 12 visits from a Sue Ryder community nurse to families across Berkshire. We’d love some extra donations to help us get back on our feet."

The shop supports the likes of nearby Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent in Reading, which cares for people with living with conditions like cancer, heart failure and lung disease.

Sue Ryder relies predominantly on income from shops, fundraising activities and generous donations from members of the public.

Call Thames Valley Police on 101 if you have any information about the theft.