A retired couple are calling for a woman who took a hedgehog box to “do the right thing” and return it

CCTV footage shows her taking the precious item at noon last Saturday from the home in Nutfields, Sittingbourne.

Donald and Susan Ralph raise money for the Macmillan charity as their daughter Hayley, 46, is battling breast cancer for the second time.

Mrs Ralph, 76, said: “It’s not the value of the box rather the principle that is most upsetting.

“My daughter is currently fighting cancer and Donald has had cancer in the past so we raise what we can for Macmillan.

“We are just disappointed that people are like this.”

The couple, who have lived in Nutfields for more than 30 years, leave plants and handmade goods which are labeled with prices outside their home.

They noticed when they were bringing in the goods from outside at 6pm that the £20 hedgehog box was missing.

A neighbour has shown the couple the CCTV footage of the woman in a yellow shirt and is barefoot take the box on a hand trolley.

The couple have not yet reported the incident to the police as they want the woman to pay for the box.

Ex-Everest double glazing employee Mr Ralph, 77, has being selling goods for more than 10 years and has raised around £1,000.

In the past plants have gone missing but the hedgehog box is the largest item to be taken without payment.

Mr Ralph does not know if he will continue to make homemade goods.

He said: “It makes me wonder why I should make these goods.”