Devastation as heartless thieves strike at Sunderland memorial garden and steal statue

A sentimental statue has been stolen from a memorial garden in Sunderland, which honours the lives of 43 people buried in unmarked graves.
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Gail Sheppard created the memorial in her front garden after moving into a lodge within the grounds of Sunderland Cemetery two years ago.

The lodges at the entrance to the cemetery in Grangetown are consecrated land. which was used for burials more than a century ago. They still contain dozens of unmarked graves.

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In memory of the 43 men, women and children buried in unmarked graves in her garden, Gail planted spring bulbs and poppies and bought a distinctive statue of a woman which she hoped would provide a lasting tribute to their lives.

Gail Sheppard created the memorial in her front garden.Gail Sheppard created the memorial in her front garden.
Gail Sheppard created the memorial in her front garden.

But at some point between 10pm on Saturday, June 27 and 1pm on Sunday, June 28, thieves stole the statue from the memorial garden – leaving Gail devastated.

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She has now appealed for whoever took the statue to safely return it in order to preserve the memory of those who passed away generations ago.

Gail, 56, said: “The statue is not worth a great amount of money, but it’s worth a huge amount in sentiment,” she said.

The statue stolen from the garden.The statue stolen from the garden.
The statue stolen from the garden.
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“In my garden, there are 43 unmarked graves of men, women and children who were buried here 100 years ago.

“When I moved into this house, the idea of those buried – all of whom were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children who once lived and loved – having no recognition of their lives made me feel really sad.

“So I created a corner of my garden as a memorial with flowers – and most importantly, a statue of a woman looking to the ground which gave me great comfort that they are not forgotten.

“I am absolutely devastated that somebody would take something from this garden – not only have they stole my statue, but I feel they have stolen from those who are lying beneath.

Gail is pleading for the statue's safe return.Gail is pleading for the statue's safe return.
Gail is pleading for the statue's safe return.
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“I’d appeal for anyone who knows where she is to return her to her rightful place – it’s of huge importance to me.”

An investigation has been launched into the theft and police have appealed for information about anyone behaving suspiciously in the area of the cemetery on Sunday.

Sergeant Mark Ellis, of Northumbria Police, said in a statement: “This is clearly an item of huge sentimental value to the victim and we are eager to see it returned to her as soon as possible.

“The statue is very distinctive – so I’d ask anyone who has seen it, or thinks they know who may have it, to come forward and let us know or drop it at a police station.

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“You can pass on information completely anonymously – the overriding priority is to make sure it’s returned to Gail safely.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting log 668 280620. You can also email [email protected].

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