Terminally ill children will lose out after a thief stole cash donated by Colchester shoppers.
The theft was from the wishing well in the entrance of Asda in Turner Rise, which has been filled with thousands of pounds in small change over the last four years.
Gordon Harvey, a greeter at the store, condemned the crime, saying: "To steal from dying children, it's absolutely pathetic."
He said the culprit had taken a steel bucket for the sake of "no more than £5", which was destined for the Little Haven Children's Hospice.
Mr Harvey added: "I started this (the wishing well) four years ago and we have got nearly £12,000 in that time for lots of local charities.
"For this sort of thing to happen, it hits you quite hard that somebody would go to these lengths for just a few pounds."
The Little Haven Children's Hospice helps children and their families affected by life-limiting and life-threatening illness.
Witnesses to the theft, between about 10pm on Monday and 6am yesterday, should call police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously,on 0800 555111
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2003
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