VOLUNTEERS at a cancer charity shop are today pleading for donations after thieves made away with £250 of their fundraising kitty.The theft was discovered yesterday morning by staff at Cancer Research UK, on Westgate Street, Ipswich.

VOLUNTEERS at a cancer charity shop are today pleading for donations after thieves made away with £250 of their fundraising kitty.

The theft was discovered yesterday morning by staff at Cancer Research UK, on Westgate Street, Ipswich.

It has left volunteers "devastated".

The money was locked away in a safe in a first floor office and was ready to be banked when the thieves struck sometime, believed to be on Tuesday.

The key had been hidden in the office.

"We don't know how it happened, said Zoe Day, who runs the shop. "It's not the first time personal belongings have been taken.

"We're a bit of a target I'm afraid."

The thieves struck just the shop had amassed cash from a fresh fundraising drive as part of a breast cancer awareness campaign.

Money from sponsors continued to arrive - £42 in total - after the theft but the disappearance of the lionshare of cash has left hardworking staff very dispirited.

Fundraising activities included shop-volunteer Penny Jenkins sitting in the shop's window for six hours.

Zoe said: "Penny sat there all day doing that. It's not the first time but the ladies are really upset about it because we put so much time and effort into it. We are devastated."

Penny, who helped raise the money, said: "A lot of sponsors and people were so good giving us money and I can't believe anyone can be like that.

"I feel quite bad about it really, it has taken us all aback."

Anyone who would like to make donations to the breast cancer awareness campaign can do so by calling 01473 230882.

WEB LINK: www.cancerresearchuk.org