A terminally-ill cancer patient is appealing for the return of a bag containing her medication.

The 71-year-old, who wants to remain anonymous, was on the train home to Ramsgate from St Pancras last night when her suitcase was taken.

She was returning from a trip to India, which she says she had been hoping to do for some time and was pleased to be able to do despite her condition.

The bag, which she says was taken between Ashford International and Deal, contained her pills, photos from her trips and gifts for her grandchildren.

She said: "I am appealing to the better nature of the person who took it.

"The stuff inside the bag is of absolutely no use to anyone except me.

"I really just want it to be taken to any station so it can be returned to me.

"I am devastated to lose all this stuff, and was totally shocked when I realised it had gone.

"The guard at St Pancras had lifted my suitcase onto the train for me, as it was heavy, and I had been trying to watch it from where I was sat.

"I just want it back, not for the person to be punished or anything.

"Even if they take it in and just say it's been found or something.

"I've lost everything - my medication, my photos, my souvenirs for my grandchildren and even my clothes."

British Transport Police have been informed of the incident and are investigating.

A BTP spokesman said: "We’re aware of the incident and it has been reported to us.

"Officers will be carrying out all the steps to investigate the incident."