A THIEF described as the ’lowest of the low’ has devastated fundraisers who had worked for months organising a festival in Abergavenny for a local toddler who is fighting an aggressive form of cancer and needs trips to the USA for life-saving treatment.

The Mowerfest event was held over Friday, June 28 and Saturday June 29 and saw acts from throughout the area performing for free to raise vital funds for Jacob Jones. Many other staff also gave their services freely or at greatly reduced rates.

However, as the event drew to a close late on Saturday night it was discovered that a tin containing takings from the event, estimated to be around £1,500, had been stolen.

One of the organisers of Mowerfest, Andrew Merrett said, ’I am absolutely devastated. We have spent months as a team organising Mowerfest. We have all spent countless hours getting it all sorted. Bands played for free. Security worked for next to nothing. The bar and stalls made donations. We had a great two days. And we raised a lot of money for little Jacob and then some selfish horrible bastard stole the money tin. This was raised to help a child who has been fighting cancer for half his life.

Organiser Sianey Probert, a long-time campaigner for Jacob’s fund, told the Chronicle, ’Everyone had such a great time, lots of people came across from the carnival on Saturday and bought tickets on the gate. We also made quite a bit from the on-site barbecue.

’The money had been place in tin that sat inside a book so it was not obviously a cash tin, this was further concealed inside a bag. Last thing on Saturday night we discovered it was gone, it had been used about three minutes earlier to pay the security guards.

’The police were called but they said they couldn’t do anything. We have been pouring over CCTV images of the location and there might well be a possible lead there.’

A posting on the Jacob’s fight Facebook Page from one of the fundraising team added, ’After Andrew Merrett, Bryan Somers and Siany’s hard work at the Mowerfest over the last two days for Jacob some scumbag stole the takings. Another poster added, ’How could this person sleep? They have stolen money from a little boy bravely fighting for his life; whoever you are, you are the lowest of the low.’

A spokesperson for Gwent police stated, ’At approximately 12.30am on Sunday, June 30 Gwent Police were called to a report of a theft from an event taking place on Raglan Terrace, Abergavenny. The theft is believed to have taken place between 11.30pm on Saturday , June 29 and 12.30am on Sunday, June 30when a tin containing approximately £1,000 was taken from a bag by an unknown person. Enquiries are ongoing.

’Anyone with any information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 19 of 30/6/2019.

You can also send a direct message to our Gwent Police Facebook or Twitter pages. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.’

Sianey added, ’After this evil act we have been warmed by the kindness of the public who have already begun to give generously to help make up the loss. There are some wonderful people out there and we are very grateful for all they are doing.’

Jacob needs funds to receive treatment across the Atlantic for Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer which has a high chance of relapse once the tumour has been removed. Treatment is not available on the NHS.

Last year, thieves made off with a ’large amount’ of cash in a burglary at Wernddu Golf Club, Llantilio Pertholey overnight on Monday/Tuesday, April 30/May 1, part of which consisted of funds raised for Jacob following a charity event. Anyone wishing to donate to Jacob’s appeal can do so via the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jacobwarrior/.