Thieves target Lancaster allotment used by cancer patients

Thursday, 17 July 2025 09:08

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Items were stolen from CancerCare's allotment shed

A Lancaster-based cancer and bereavement charity's allotment site has been targeted by thieves.

Items have been stolen from the shed and potting tunnel at the CancerCare THRIVE allotment project on Ambleside Road.

A two-wheeled barrow that has been designed for people with mobility issues, four picnic chairs and various other small items were stolen.

Members of the allotment group discovered the thefts on Friday morning.

CancerCare said the incident has been reported to the police.

The independent charity provides services to local people affected by cancer, life-shortening illnesses and bereavement.

Their allotment is run and maintained by volunteers, and it is used regularly by CancerCare’s clients who want to connect with nature, relax and socialise in an outdoor setting.

“We are devastated that our allotment has been targeted," said Alison Stainthorpe, chief executive of CancerCare North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

"The space has ultimately been designed to do good within the local community and is usually a place of trust, respect and positivity.

"The allotment team works so hard to maintain THRIVE and incidents as such have a huge impact on them and the wider CancerCare community. Clients who are going through some of the hardest times imaginable, such as a cancer diagnosis or the loss of a loved one, use the allotment to take a break from their lives.

"We are so gutted, but we will continue to treasure our allotment for all the benefits it provides people with.”

If anyone would like to help CancerCare re-buy some of the stolen equipment they are accepting donations HERE.

Anyone with information on the theft should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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