Great Ormond Street Stolen Christmas Presents: Lord Sugar, Celtic, Currys, PCWorld Offer To Replace

Grinch Of Great Ormond Street Thwarted By Xmas Generosity

Great Ormond Street Hospital has been inundated with offers to replace the wrapped presents stolen from the hospital - with Lord Sugar, Celtic Football Club, Blockbusters, Currys and PC World offering to replace the gifts intended for children in intensive care.

Around 20 presents, which had been bought from the hospital's charity fund, were stolen. They included portable DVD players, DVDs, Nintendo DS games consoles, games and toys.

Lord Sugar took to Twitter to express his outrage at the theft.

A spokesman for Lord Sugar told The Huffington Post UK that the Apprentice host had discussed it in detail with Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau, inventor of Styfile.

"It is a genuine heartfelt offer," he said. "Lord Sugar is a long-time supporter of GOSH, he has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to them and he's been in discussions with them this morning. I know they have had several offers."

A Great Ormond Street Hospital spokeswoman said: "We have been overwhelmed by generous offers from individuals and companies to replace the missing items.

"These items have now been replaced by a long-term supporter.

"Thank you to everyone who has contacted us for their concern and kindness."

Celtic Football Club has also offered to replace the gifts.

Celtic said in a statement: "Celtic’s charitable roots have meant the club has always tried to help those most in need, and like everyone else, we’re delighted to support the fantastic work the hospital do.”

David Potter, Blockbuster’s Director of Operations, said they would also help replace the gifts: “We are fortunate to be in a position where we can replace the items stolen and include a range of Blockbuster’s favourite family films to help them enjoy the festive season.”

The presents were stolen between Friday and Sunday, and were taken from a non-public area of the hospital, the Metropolitan Police said.

Inspector Neal Anderson said: "To steal presents that were supposed to be for children too sick to be at home with their families at Christmas is beyond belief.

"I would urge anyone who has information about the individual, or persons responsible, to contact officers so that we can try and get the items back before Christmas Day.

"I would also urge the thief to try and think about their actions and do the decent thing and return them."

Officers from Camden borough are investigating the theft.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 and ask for the CID office at Holborn, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Close

What's Hot