by Gerry Warren

gwarren@thekmgroup.co.uk

A grieving son has told of his disgust after a floral tribute was taken from his mum’s graveside just hours after she was buried.

The flowers were swiped from Sturry cemetery after a service for 90-year-old Eileen Reed, who lived in the city centre.

Among them was a particularly poignant basket from Mrs Reed’s elderly sister, who now lives in America and was too ill to travel to attend the service.

But four hours after the wake – when one of her daughters returned to the cemetery to take a photograph of the floral tributes to send to the US – it was gone.

Mrs Reed’s son Michael, who lives in Staines Hill, Sturry, said: “We are appalled that someone could do something so despicable.

“The tribute was a particularly special one from mum’s sister which we had chosen for her. It was in a light-coloured basket and had quite a Christmassy theme to it with little Christmas trees and daffodils.

“I can only assume that someone thought it would make a nice Christmas present and just swiped it and tore off the card.

“It really beggars belief. They really can’t have any conscience. We haven’t the heart to tell mum’s sister what has happened.

“We spoke to the cemetery supervisor but he just said ‘these things happen’ and I guess they can’t have 24-hour security.”

Michael, 53, is maintenance manager at the London Golf Club and was brought up in Sturry with his sisters Doreen and Rosemary and brother William, who all later moved away from the area.

Mrs Reed, who was a widow, lived in Bredlands Lane, Sturry, for many years and worked as a librarian. She was also a volunteer for the Samaritans for more than 30 years. About 10 years ago she moved to Becket Mews.

Do you know what happened to the tribute? Call the newsdesk on 01227 475985.