A father has branded thieves “scum” after commemorative windmills were stolen from the memorial garden of his daughter.

Warren Mowle, 41, of Trafalgar Road, Gravesend, said he was “dumbstruck” after finding out people had mindlessly taken the windmills from the area dedicated to the life of his nine-year-old daughter Stacey.

Butterflies were a personal favourite of Stacey’s and decorative metal ones were also snatched by the thieves from the garden in Windmill Memorial Gardens in Clarence Place, Gravesend.

Mr Mowle said: “I’m dumbstruck as to the way some people's minds tick.

“We’re upset that they have been taken and angry that people could stoop so low. Then things go through your head like ‘why would people do that? ‘What sort of morals do they have?’ and then the anger sets in.

“Windmills and butterflies were something that Stacey loved to have, we couldn’t go to the garden centre or the seaside without her wanting to spend her pennies on buying one.”

Stacey passed away in March after losing a bravely fought battle with relapsed neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.

A dedicated group of volunteers set up a charity called the Stacey Mowle Appeal to raise money for special treatment in America and put on events including giant conga lines, concerts and marathon attempts.

However, despite their fantastic efforts and the spotlight of celebrity patrons, including footballer Paul Konchesky and Birds of a Feather actress Linda Robson, the appeal could not raise the £500,000 needed in time.

Today is exactly five months since Stacey tragically passed away.

Warren said:“With the garden being set with the Windmill Tavern behind the ornate windmills, it fits so well with the whole outfit - Stacey and the location. Today it has been five months since she passed, so it was really upsetting that this has happened.”

Despite the vandalism Warren said he had no plans to install security measures around the memorial.

He said: “A memorial garden for Stacey or anyone else should not have to be kept under guard.

"It’s what it says it is and there is a plaque telling people this is ‘Stacey’s Garden’ common sense and respect is all that is needed.”

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