15 November 2010
A stolen England football shirt, which was due to be auctioned to raise money for Keech Hospice Care, has now been replaced thanks to a neighbourhood officer’s determination.
The white strip, signed by former England player David Beckham, was taken from a frame on the wall in Vintage Emporium on Hatfield Road in St Albans in mid June.
Proceeds from the sale were due to go to Keech Hospice Care, to help provide support and care for children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions.
But when no one came forward to hand the shirt back, Neighbourhood Officer Neil Jeffery would not let it rest there and decided to go about getting another shirt signed for the charity.
PC Neil Jeffery said: “This theft was a callous act by someone, and neither me nor those involved in the auction of the shirt thought it right that the charity should have to suffer.
“Instead, we decided to approach David Beckham’s management company and ask for a new signed shirt. When they heard about the sad situation, they were more than happy to help.”
The shirt finally arrived and went for auction at our Butterfly Ball in October with St Albans City and District Councillor Gordon Myland, who regularly fundraises for Keech, helping members of staff at the shop sell the shirt to the highest bidder.
It raised a fantastic £450 and the money raised will help pay for the much needed care we offer to children and their families.
