Appeal for return of Help for Heroes charity tin stolen from Betws-y-Coed art gallery

Oct 13 2011 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

A COLLECTION box in aid of soldiers’ charity Help for Heroes has been stolen from a Conwy Valley art gallery.

The box was taken from the Alison Bradley Gallery in Betws-y-Coed during the hugely popular Snowdonia Arts Festival at the weekend.

Artist Alison’s partner Jon Davies said: “It was with considerable sadness that we discovered on Saturday morning that one of the gallery’s Help for Heroes collection tins had been stolen.

“Any theft of a charity tin is an unpleasant and selfish act but everybody who has heard this news has reacted with disgust and disbelief.”

He added: “When we first discovered the theft we were sickened and couldn’t believe anybody could stoop so low as to steal from injured troops.

“We have been collecting for Help for Heroes since shortly after the gallery opened in 2008 because we have nothing but admiration for the young men and women who volunteer to serve on our behalf, some of whom suffer life-changing injury in the process.

“The contrast between those we support and the person who did this could not be greater.”

The gallery played an integral part in the Snowdonia Art Festival, as throughout the weekend there were art exhibitions and workshops, with the opening ceremony held at the gallery.

Jon added: “We have no wish for the charity to suffer because of somebody’s selfish disregard for others, so we have decided to donate roughly the amount that was in the tin at the time.

“In addition to this, as we made people aware of the theft we had a number of donations and pledges of more donations as news spread.

“We have also received some very kind comments from our followers on Twitter and Facebook that have gone a long way to restoring our faith in the good nature of the vast majority of people.”

Anyone with information regarding the missing Help for Heroes charity collection tin can call North Wales Police on 101 in confidence.