A heartbroken charity boss who helps raise money for cancer patients has told how theft and dwindling donations will force him to close.

Graeme Sergeant says gifted clothes intended to help those battling the disease are routinely swiped from his Chemotherapy Cancer Project shop in Herne Bay.

Having played an important role in many people’s lives, the worthy cause is now struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis, like many others in Kent.

Describing his sadness after setting up the shop five years ago, Mr Sergeant said: “You wouldn’t believe what people nick.

“They took the stopper out of a decanter.

“People walked off with clothes, so we stopped selling them.

“You wouldn't think they'd rob charity shops, but they do.

“Everyone across Herne Bay is suffering from shoplifting. It's terrible.”

The Holmscroft Road shop will cease trading on August 31.

But thankfully, the Salvation Army has stepped in and agreed to take over the drop-in centre cafe service Mr Sergeant also runs from the site.

Describing how theft alone is not to blame, Mr Sergeant said: “There's a cost-of-living crisis.

“Unfortunately, the level of donations we've been getting is not enough.

“We did a collection last Saturday and only got £34.

“Right now, it costs us more to open the shop than to have it shut.

“People aren’t coming in and we still pay for the gas, electricity and things like that.”

The retired engineer also believes there is an oversaturation of not-for-profits in the town, leading to smaller charities’ downfall.

He said: “For every 10 donations going in, I'd say the bigger independent charities such as Maya’s Community Support Centre and Free Shop are getting eight or nine of them, and we're getting maybe one.

“It’s had a massive effect on the smaller charities in the town.”

Personal reasons have played a role in the 70-year-old winding down the charity.

His wife, Lizzie, has cancer and is suffering from pain.

“The decision was made by me and the other two trustees, that it's time to wrap it up,” he added.

“It’s been a perfect storm.

“It's very sad. I leave it with a heavy heart, but as long as the drop-in continues, I'm happy.”

The project began by making gift bags for people going through chemotherapy.

They then started the drop-in centres, opening up in Deal, Faversham, Herne Bay and formerly Margate, where those affected by cancer could have tea and talk.