Elderly woman who was beaten up and robbed in Gainsborough thanks community for their kindness and generosity

Kathleen Cordon, 82, had been to Tesco at around 10am on the morning of Friday, December 18, and she was making her way back home past the Trinity Arts Centre and onto Frampton Terrace when she was robbed of her handbag.

She was found on the pavement on Frampton Terrace and her handbag had been stolen. Miss Cordon suffered facial injuries and a broken arm as a result of the attack.

Miss Cordon is still recovering from her injuries but wanted to say thank you to the community, which has raised more than £900 for her since the robbery.

A Just Giving page was set up by a woman named Anne Cater, who Miss Cordon and her family do not know and have never met.

Miss Cordon said: “I’m so grateful to the lady who set up the page and to everyone who donated. It’s amazing that people who don’t know me and may never meet me have been prepared to give £2 or £5 or £10, or even more in some cases. It just goes to show that there is more good than bad in this world. It’s just so kind of everyone and I’m so grateful. I can’t thank everyone in person but just want to say a huge thank you to you all.”

Shortly after the incident Miss Cordon said she would not let the robbery change her outlook or her daily life in Gainsborough, where she has lived her whole life.

Her family said her arm and shoulder are becoming more mobile and despite losing two teeth in the aftermath of the robbery she has not let it get her down.

Her family said “She’s very much ‘well, that’s happened so we get over it and get on with it.’

“So many people have donated to her and it’s incredibly generous, especially just before Christmas when money is usually tight. Some people donated amounts like £2, which just goes to show that they probably couldn’t give a lot but what they could they could spare they did. It’s really very touching.

“Two or three hampers were also donated and the x-church in Gainsborough raised some money and even invited Kath for a meal, which is just so lovely of them. We’re so grateful to everyone who gave anything.”

Anne Cater said: “I am delighted to hear that Kathleen is recovering, and that she continues to be positive after this horrible incident.

“People have been so generous when donating, I hoped to raise enough to cover what was stolen, but almost four times that amount was donated.

“I hope that this will show that there really are far more caring, good people out there than bad ones.”

The enquiry into this robbery is continuing and investigating officers are still appealing for any information. If you have anything you think might help the team please contact us on 101 quoting incident 132 of December 18. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.