Sick thieves steal irreplaceable mementoes of young girl killed by cancer
THE parents of a little girl who died only months ago have been left devastated after irreplaceable mementoes were stolen by burglars.
Scarlet Kearns, who was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, died in April aged seven.
Her little bracelets and necklaces, plus videos and photos on USB sticks and an iPad, became the most treasured possessions of her parents, Kate and Kris.
But the couple have been left with next to nothing after thieves broke into their home in Stockport, and stole thousands of pounds worth of electrical equipment and jewellery.
They even snatched cash Scarlet had helped raise for Brain Tumour Research as well as funds collected at her memorial service for another charity, amounting to about £350.
Mr Kearns, 42, also had his van stolen, along with house, car and window keys.
We took her to Dubai to swim with dolphins. All our photos were on pen drives, they took those too
His wife, 44, said: “My jewellery box had all Scarlet’s little necklaces and a bracelet with charms that we got her when she was ill.
“We took her to Dubai to swim with dolphins. All our photos were on pen drives, they took those too.”
Mrs Kearns added: “I had an expensive watch and earrings taken, but I don’t care about that stuff.
“It was the little things that didn’t cost a lot, that wouldn't mean anything to anyone else, that mattered. We just want Scarlet’s things back, they were so important to us.”
The burglars even ransacked Scarlet’s bedroom, which had been left exactly as it was when she died.
“They went through everything and took everything they could, they even emptied her money box,” said Mrs Kearns. “It’s disgusting, we’re devastated – Scarlet’s room is sacred to us.
“Scarlet was loved by so many people. Every day we wake up and she’s not here, we miss her so much. Her memory is still alive, but we just want back those little things to look at.”
Scarlet died after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, which spread to her spine, in 2011.
After months of gruelling treatment she died at Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury.
A police spokesman said the van was later found dumped in Hyde.