MEAN-hearted thieves have stolen fencing from the entrance to newly-opened Claire House children's hospice, Clatterbridge, returning the following night to pinch more.

The overnight thefts have upset hospice staff and charity workers. The hospice was built out of donations and it will cost £750,000 a year to run. Wendi Darlington, of the appeals office, was close to tears after discovering the theft.

"Everyone has worked so hard to build this place. How can they steal from a children's hospice? They must have seen the big sign at the entrance.

"We have a Royal opening in the Spring and now the fencing has gone missing. How can we justify the cost of replacement when we are caring for very sick children? The thieves must have come equipped to take the fencing away."

Senior nurse Muriel Barber is equally upset and has gone on the radio to appeal for information.

"Someone must know who took it. I hope the culprits' consciences haunt them forever."

The hospice caters for very sick children offering them and their families love and support. Claire House therefore tries to always be a happy place. Staff and appeal office workers are hiding their distress from visitors and have been cheered up by a donation from someone who heard about the theft.

However, fencing worth hundreds of pounds is missing and Claire House may now have to pay out for costly security cameras to cover the entrance.

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