A fundraiser set up in the name of a woman in her 80s who was mugged outside a shop has smashed its target.

A man has appeared in court following the incident at St Johns Avenue, off Rectory Road, Sittingbourne, shortly before 9am yesterday.

Footage emerged of a man getting out of a car and mugging the victim outside a corner shop.

The charity page set up in the victim's name, Maureen Pledger, set a target of £500 to go to Medway Maritime Hospital's charity arm to help fight coronavirus.

It has so far attracted more than £2,000 in donations.

The victim's granddaughter, Lucy Foster, said: "My nan was robbed of her handbag and lots of people have been worried about her wellbeing.

"She is fine, a little shaken but no scum will beat her.

"Thank you everyone for your comments and support."

"Lots of you asked to reimburse any money lost but my nan would never accept this.

"Instead, if you would like to make a donation she would like it to go to the NHS for all the work and support they are going through with Covid-19.

"Thank you everyone for your comments and support. They all get passed on to her.

"She would love to thank everyone for the lovely messages, and wishes she could personally thank everyone. She can see now that the good people outweighs the bad."

It comes as a man has appeared in court.

A police spokesman said: "Craig Creasey, 39, was charged with the robbery of a woman in her 80s in St Johns Avenue, Sittingbourne. He was arrested the same day.

"He did not enter a plea and has been remanded to custody."

Creasey is due to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, May 13.

Visit www.tinyurl.com/FundsKM if you would like to donate.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne