A CHARITY boss his voiced disbelief at repeated thefts of equipment from a woodland retreat for cancer sufferers.

The Eden-Rose Coppice Trust in Sudbury has turned a patch of unwanted woodland near the Quay into a conservation area for the enjoyment of the terminally ill.

However, in recent weeks the charity has been repeatedly targeted by thieves who have made off with items ranging from a wheelchair to a chain saw - all of which are vital to the charity’s work.

The charity’s founder Rob Brooks labelled the thefts ‘unbelievable’ adding: “Most of the equipment has been donated by generous families involved with our charity and I wonder at the people who would take things such as a wheelchair.

“Last month we lost a lawn mower, then a chainsaw and now one of our volunteers disturbed two people breaking down the shed door yet again in broad daylight. Fortunately they ranm off after a brief discussion but it’s becoming a common occurrence.

“We have reinforced the door, added more locks to the shed and advised the police on all the incidents but still people try to break in to steal our equipment.”

The equipment is often used by children with profound learning disabilities to maintain the woodland whilst gaining important life skills. Last year, disabled students built a giant outdoor oven in the woods.

The thefts have spurred local man Ollie Williams to run the London Marathon on the charity’s behalf. Mr Williams hopes to raise at least �1,000 for Eden-Rose.

He said: “A thousand pounds hardly covers the cost of the lost equipment but I’m personally aware of the difficulties cancer can cause and am aware of the success the charity has had with the children both with complex needs or profound learning disabilities.”

Anybody wanting to support Mr Williams can do so via the Just Giving website at www.justgiving.com/Olly-Williams-London-Marathon-2012.