Hospice charity 'flabbergasted' by centre break-in

Staff at a South Yorkshire hospice for people with life-limiting illnesses have been left "flabbergasted" by a break-in at a donation centre.

A man smashed a window at the Rotherham Hospice building and climbed through it to steal a donation tin at about 01:00 BST on Thursday.

He then returned three hours later to take electrical equipment from the centre on Rawmarsh Road, according to the charity.

Leanne Fox, head of trading at the centre, described the damage as "astronomical" when compared to the amount of cash stolen.

Money for repairs would have to be taken from funds usually reserved for patient and family care, she said.

South Yorkshire Police said its investigations were continuing and urged anyone with additional information to come forward.

Fox said the break-in had had a significant impact on charity volunteers, with some becoming "emotional" after seeing the aftermath.

"Yes it may be a brick through the window, stolen electricals and a donation tin, but the emotional toll it had taken [in knowing] someone could cause so much damage to a charity.

"Some of our volunteers have special needs and are using us as a stepping stone into work, so sometimes they can need additional support.

"To come in today and see what they've seen has left many feeling really shocked, angry and also vulnerable."

Rotherham Hospice run several donation centres across South Yorkshire.

Funds raised through the centres contribute towards both patient care and supporting the families of those going through serious illness, the charity said.

The empty donation tin was recovered by a member of the public nearby.

"It's just so sad, I'm flabbergasted how anyone could think that stealing those small things and cause so much damage is worthwhile," Fox said.

The charity is getting quotes for repairs to the window and stolen electricals, with a fundraising page raising more than £500 so far.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "At 05:49 BST we received reports of a burglary on Rawmarsh Road in Rotherham.

"It is reported that a man broke into the Rotherham Hospice Donation Centre and stole a quantity of cash before leaving the scene and returning a short time later, where it is believed a further item was stolen.

"Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 or online, quoting incident number 133 of 9 July 2026."

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