Charity attack is blow for Ethel

Veteran hospital campaigner Ethel Powell today revealed she felt like giving up her work after yet another burglary attempt on her charity's shop.

Cannock Chase Hospital's League of Friends charity shop, in Beecroft Road car park, was targeted on Thursday night by raiders who tried to get into the cabin. It is the last remaining base for the group after it pulled out of its site in the main hospital.

The would-be thieves tried to remove security mesh from around the only undamaged window in the cabin.

They failed to get in but have left the charity, which raises money to improve the quality of life for hospital patients, with a hefty bill.

Now 88-year-old Mrs Powell has hit out at the criminals.

She said: "It makes me want to give up when this keeps happening. I have had to get all the windows repaired and we don't know how much that will be yet.

"This has happened before and two years ago they managed to get in and wrecked the place. It's very sad."

The League of Friends pulled out of Cannock Chase Hospital last year and Mrs Powell said: "We are not making as much money now so having something like this is no good for us.

"The thieves have even stolen metal banisters for our steps outside."

Insp Mat Derrick, from Cannock Police, said: "To attempt to break into a charity shop is despicable."