A WOMAN is gutted after an instrument, which was given to her by a Second World War veteran who has since died, was stolen from a charity shop VE Day display.
Sue Sollis is deeply upset and gutted after a bugle, which had been given to her by a D-Day veteran, was stolen from the VE Day display of her charity shop only days after being set up.
The bugle was a 'deeply sentimental item' and given to her by Noel Wilkes, who was killed in 2014 after being hit by a car in Evesham's High Street.
Mrs Sollis, owner of the bugle and founder of The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust, where the item was stolen from, said: "It was stolen on Tuesday (May 13) afternoon from our VE Day window display.
"We put it together in memory of Noel Wilkes, who took part in the D-Day landings, and unfortunately, is no longer with us.
"He organised the 70th anniversary celebrations of the D Day landings in France and asked me to be the bugler.
"After the trip, I said it would be nice to get one one day, and some time later, he popped into the shop with a big smile on his face, and he had purchased one for me.
"It was a very sentimental item, I'm gutted it was stolen, he was an amazing man and a lovely gentleman."
The theft has been reported to West Mercia Police, who say they are investigating.
READ MORE: Wickhamford attempted murder: update after two arrested
READ MORE: Meet Evesham's new mayor, John Clatworthy, elected
READ MORE: Sour Power Bakery opens in Bridge Street, Evesham
Mrs Sollis added: "Normally, I have a picture of him and the bugle on my sideboard at home, but I decided to use them in the VE-Day display.
"I was going to take it down sooner, but one or two other shops still had their displays set up, and this has now unfortunately happened.
"It was very precious to me. I'm gutted, very upset, and trying not to think about it too much.
"Noel was killed very tragically when he was knocked over in the High Street and died as a result of his injuries.
"He landed on Juno Beach, and it was his job to look after six tanks.
"It's not about its monetary value, it was just very sentimental to me.
"If whoever stole the bugle is reading this, please, please, please return it.
"I just want it back, and I promise I will take no further action."
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "We received a report of the theft of an instrument on Tuesday afternoon (May 13) from Leukaemia Trust on the High Street in Evesham. Enquires are now ongoing."
