A grieving mother has blasted thieves who stole cherished mementoes from the grave of her four-year-old son.

Callum's grave bedecked with toys. Picture:STEVE O'CONNELL F5DDB2

Callum Barton died in January after a brave fight against cerebral palsy, also diagnosed in twin Adam.

Callum's family, mum Judy, dad Cy, brothers, Adam, now five, James, 15, six-year old Eliot and sister Millie, eight, took time to decide which sentimental items to place on his grave at Southend Cemetery.

Judy, of Norwich Avenue, Southend, said: "Even though Callum couldn't speak, his smile and laughter melted the hearts of everyone who knew him.

"We wanted to put toys on his grave that reflected his personality, which is why we chose his set of Teletubby dolls.

"It broke my heart to discover one of the dolls, Po, has been stolen along with a toy monkey his sister left."

Grieving and angry - Judy Barton. 7PR6P2C

Judy, 34, said the thieves must have known they were stealing from a four-year-old as Callum's picture is on his grave. On a previous visit, she found the toys scattered around the cemetery.

Judy has had great difficulty tracking down a substitute doll of Po as the Teletubbies were so popular but she is keen to hear from anyone with an old one that is no longer wanted. Anyone who can help should call the Echo on 01702 321156.

Published Wednesday October 23, 2002

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