A TRADER has thanked family, friends and the community fundraiser for helping to replace charity money snatched by thieves.

Gaynor James,60, has run Pontypool’s baby wear store ‘Individuality’ for 10 years and recently went into business with veteran Pontypool market jeweller Graham Grisbrook in Market Street.

On Saturday, January 14, the traders say a collection box containing donations towards The British Heart Foundation Cymru and SSAFA Armed Forces Charity, was stolen from the counter.

After an online fundraising page raised £130 in five hours — days after the theft— the trader has thanked donators for their generosity, describing the response as “amazing”.

She said: “I was so upset and appalled when I originally found out but I’m so thankful that I have such wonderful family and friends. I really am the richest woman in the world.

“Customers of mine have also said they’re going to bring in some money for the charities. I’m just so chuffed with this.”

Mrs James — who previously raised £5,600 for charity while chair of Pontypool Community Council in 2014/15 — added that there is no CCTV of the store and that the culprits will “never be caught”.

“If anybody knows what happened or who did it please get in touch. I will still continue to fundraise and I won’t let them beat me,” she said.

“I have already had a couple of market traders and customers start the new tin off and this time, it’s nailed strongly to the cupboard.

“There’s nothing else we can do now but move onwards and forwards.”

Chairman of Pontypool Community Council, Jon Horlor, who set up the “GoFundMe” page, described the response as “gratifying” with donations coming from “as far away as Cardiff and Scotland”.

“The British Heart Foundation Cymru and SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity, will now not lose out due to this callous crime,” he said.

“I will leave the campaign going online and hopefully we can raise even more money for these charities.

“Times are tough for people, especially at this time of year, so it was especially gratifying to receive so much support in such a short period of time.”

Mrs James has reported the crime to Gwent Police and if you have any information call 101 quoting log number 224/16/01/2017.

To support the charity fund, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/chairs-charities