Skelmersdale family devastated over theft of tribute to cadet Leah Alderson

HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a tribute to a talented teenager who was killed in a gliding accidentSkelmersdale air cadet Leah Alderson was killed in 1995 aged just 14 when the glider she was in with an instructor plunged 2,000-ft following a mid-air collision. Friends and neighbours of her mum raised £300 to help buy a bench and a sundial as a memorial to her. That tribute stood in her step father’s garden for 16 years until he decided to move houseHe gave the tribute to his daughter – step sister Nicola Brophy – and the sundial was stolen from her garden last Thursday night.
Nicola said: “We are all absolutely devastated that this has happened.
“It was in my dad’s garden for 16 years and then it moves to mine and gets stolen.
“My daughter woke me up about 11.30pm to say the sundial had been stolen.
“The people who took the sundial probably didn’t realise that it is a tribute and we are appealing for it to be returned safe and sound.
“My grandchildren loved having the bench here and they say they are sitting on Leah’s bench when they come.
“I am worried now that the thieves might come back and take the bench.
“Although it is very heavy and I don’t think they will be able to move it.”
Nicola recalled how Leah’s tragic death hit the family hard.
She added: “Leah’s mum Margaret was really nervous the day she went to do the gliding.
“But I told her that Leah would be fine as the RAF do this sort of thing all the time.
“Leah was really excited about going. It was a terrible freak accident.
“Victoria was devastated when Leah died.
“She was only 13 at the time and that is a terrible age to lose someone you are close to.”
Skelmersdale ATC’s headquarters on Daniels Lane is named after Leah.
Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Jo Henderson said: “Our hearts go out to Nicky and her family, to have had her memorial stolen from her own garden is so sad.
“We were devastated when Leah's sign was vandalised at the Squadron HQ so we know from experience a little of how she must be feeling.”
The theft has been reported to police.
If anyone can help with their enquiries they should call Skelmersdale Police on 0845 1 25 35 45.

(Reproduced from The Skelmersdale Advertiser, 25th August)

Gardien Tip:  Never under-estimate the weight of items which can be stolen from around your house. Use property marking on valuable items to facilitate return by the Police.  See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/SelectaMark-Property-Marking.aspx