MARATHON man Gary Mitchell has slammed heartless thieves who stole almost £200 sponsorship money earmarked for the Superscan appeal.

The 34-year-old Darwen plumber is all set to pound his way round the gruelling 26.2 mile London marathon course this Sunday, (April 21) and he'll be doing it to help his mum who is currently battling against cancer.

As he trained for his big day he blasted crooks who stole a jar containing £200, donated by punters at Done Bookmakers, Darwen, where his mother Margaret worked before illness struck. He said "I can't believe how anyone could do something like this - they're despicable."

Despite the blow, Gary hopes to boost funds for the SuperScan Appeal by hundreds of pounds. He said: "The family wanted to do something and we were told that the Scanner Appeal would benefit a lot of people."

He has already raised £600 and his sister Diane has sponsor forms available in Anna's Market Garden in Duckworth Street, where she works.

And to show how much customers value Gary's mum's friendship, Done Bookmakers have managed to raise another £50 for the appeal.

Manageress Liz Little said customers were devastated when they discovered thieves had stolen the jar.

Mrs Little dismissed the crooks as pathetic, and said: "We won't be beaten by these people - and will try and get as much money as possible for Gary's appeal. We all wish Margaret a speedy recovery."

Ian Ashton, chairman of Darwen Scanner Appeal committee, said: "I hope as many people as possible will support Gary. He's doing a great job for us."

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