KIND-hearted Adver readers have dug deep into their own pockets to replace the money stolen from a collection tin destined for our Swindon Cancer Appeal.

On Thursday a grey-haired thief was captured on CCTV making off with the tin containing around £20 in coppers from our Victoria Road offices.

Since then, we have been inundated with messages of support from outraged readers and a mystery benefactor has donated £20 for the appeal.

A letter has also been sent in with a cheque for £20, from a man in Fairford. It read: "My father died of stomach cancer and my mother died six weeks later from leukaemia.

"Sadly, they were not helped by Macmillan nurses, who were not around then.

"I am totally disgusted with the actions of the person who stole much-needed funds.

"I hope he is caught and comes to realise that his behaviour is beneath contempt."

Malcolm King, from Conway Road in Eldene, also contacted us to say he wanted to donate some of his London Marathon sponsorship money to our appeal.

The 47-year-old Nationwide worker said: "The theft was a pretty low and despicable act."

The appeal total now stands at around £376,800. It will be used to pay for three Macmillan carers to ease the suffering of cancer patients in Swindon.

Anyone who recognises the face caught on our CCTV camera should contact Swindon police on 01793 528111.

The Evening Advertiser would like the mystery benefactor to get in touch so we can thank him personally for his donation. Please call the newsdesk on 01793 501802.