Dying patient Wendy Dolton, whose ring was stolen, with son Sean

A gold ring has been stolen from the finger of a dying patient at Canterbury's Pilgrim's Hospice.

The hugely sentimental band was swiped from Wendy Dolton just hours before she died at the London Road home.

It had been given to her by her late husband 10 years ago.

The ring, which had a large square diamond and is pictured below right, was stolen between 6pm on Wednesday, February 13, and 6pm on February 14.

Mrs Dolton, who had just turned 65, died on the Thursday afternoon.

Her son Sean, 46, told of his disgust after learning of the theft from his mother, from Dover.

He said: "I feel absolutely sick because the ring was a 40th wedding anniversary present from my father who knew he was going to die in the next few months.

"Sentimentally it doesn't get any more distressing.

"It is the most vile and despicable crime that someone would come into her room where she was being cared for and take the ring from her finger.

"I remember seeing her wearing it just hours before and can't believe someone stole it from her in those last few hours.

"She was totally violated when she was at her weakest.

"It was horrendous we lost my mum at 5pm and were in the hospice until midnight trying to get to the bottom of where it had gone.

"It is difficult enough to deal with losing her so tragically, but to know how and when it was taken is very difficult."

Mrs Dolton leaves behind two sons, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

PC Chris Poulter, who is investigating the theft, said: "The theft of the ring has caused a great deal of upset for Wendy's family at a time when they are already trying to cope with her sad passing.

"Pilgrim's Hospice has been fully co-operative and our investigation continues.

"We have already visited some second-hand shops and will continue to make enquiries."

Chief executive of Pilgrims Hospices Steve Auty said: "We are all shocked and saddened by this whole episode.

"Pilgrims Hospices is co-operating fully with the police and I am leading our own internal investigation.

"it is the most vile and despicable crime that someone would come into her room where she was being cared for and take the ring from her finger..." – sean dolton

"We are not aware of an incident like this occurring in our three hospices at any time in our 30-plus years history.

"Clearly it is not a situation that we want to occur in our hospices and especially not at such a difficult time for the family members concerned.

"Mrs Dolton's family are, understandably, deeply upset by what has occurred.

"I have spoken at length with Mrs Dolton's son, Sean, and assured him we are doing whatever we can to find out what happened.

"We have no evidence to suggest any members of staff are implicated.

"Patients and families receive love and care from our staff and volunteers when staying with us.

"That remains our primary focus which we are able to deliver because of the outstanding level of support we get from the people of east Kent."

Anyone who knows where the ring is or has any information about the theft should call 101 - quoting crime reference ZY/4459/13 - or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.