As revealed by the Echo, charity Brothers In Arms, set up to build a city-based memorial wall to fallen service personnel, was left out of pocket after the robbery at Taps in Southwick.

The raider grabbed the tin from the store's counter before making off in a waiting car.

After reading about the incident, Jon, 32, pledged to donate the £150 sum that was stolen.

Jon, who served in the Parachute Regiment for 12 years, said: "I was disgusted and somewhat surprised that someone could do that.

"You hear about people going into stores and stealing takings, which is obviously someone's livelihood, but to take money that someone has given for no return to charity is particularly shocking."

Sunderland-born Jon, who now works as a risk security consultant in Afghanistan as well as being a part-time illustrator, said he is particularly touched by the charity after losing a lot of friends who were in active service in the military.

Taps and sister firm, Thompson Building Centres, joined scores of Wearsiders when they pledged their support to the charity which aims to build a city-based memorial wall marking the lives of local soldiers killed since 1946.

So far the appeal has raised more than £25,000 and has received the backing of Prime Minister Gordon Brown who made a personal donation to the campaign.

The charity was set up by the families of fallen service personnel and aims to raise £50,000 to help build a memorial for all servicemen and women from Sunderland and East Durham who have lost their lives in combat or on training exercises.

Speaking on behalf of Brothers in Arms, Tom Cuthbertson, whose son Nathan was killed while fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2008, said: "This is brilliant news. It's fantastic of Jon to have donated the money that was stolen.

"It's disgusting that it was stolen in the first place, but at least we've got it back and we're really grateful for that. It all goes towards our goal of building a memorial."

It is thought about £150 was lost when the thief struck at about 5pm on November 18.

Northumbria Police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 03456 043 043.