A TERMINALLY ill veteran's laptop was stolen from his bedside while he recovered from brain cancer treatment.

Last week Charles Samson, known as Sammy to friends, was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital after suffering from fits at his Calcot home.

After spending two days in a short stay ward Mr Samson, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer six months ago, was moved to another bed whilst he slept on Friday night. 

Upon waking the former soldier discovered his laptop missing.

"It wasn't in lost property so it has definitely been stolen," explained his soon-to-be daughter-in-law Jade Thomson.

"He was very distressed but also not 100 per cent sure of what is going on."

As much as the loss of the computer is concerning in itself for the 57 year-old, it is what is stored on it that is causing him and family real concern.

"The value of the laptop isn't massive, it's what is on it," Miss Thomson continued.

"His terminal illness benefit claims forms are on there. There are also pictures of Nancy, his eleven week old grandchild. There is nothing more sentimental than those photos.

"If we don't get the laptop back it will be a massive job sorting everything out."

The family have asked anyone who has information regarding the computer or sees it for sale to contact Miss Thomson on Facebook.

A reward will be given for its return and no questions will be asked by the family.

The laptop is a black and silver t200 Asus Transformer Book.

Click here to contact Miss Thomson. 

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "At around 4am on 23 September a laptop was stolen from a patient whilst he was being treated at the RBH.

"An investigation has been conducted including review of any available CCTV and we have now filed this investigation pending further information coming to light."