Written by Gareth Coles:
We read about Glenys’ ordeal on Wales Online and saw that her funeral fund had been stolen from her home whilst she slept. We are delighted to say that we have arranged to meet with Glenys with an offer to contribute to her funeral and give her some peace of mind at this troubling time.Local Government reporter, Ruth Mosalski has been following this story and has written about the happy ending in today’s Echo. Here is the article in case you are interested in the full story (sic):
92–year–old who had her funeral savings stolen by burglar is offered free ceremony
A pensioner whose life savings for her own funeral were stolen has been given a “surreal” offer of a free one.
Glenys Burrows, 92, was asleep when burglars got into her home on Grand Avenue, Ely, Cardiff, and took £10,000 in cash.
She had been saving the money to pay for her own funeral and to give to her family as inheritance.
A community fundraising page has been set up to raise money for Glenys but a Funeral Director has also come through with an offer of a free funeral – when the time comes.
Coles Funeral Directors has offered its services for free to arrange and conduct the funeral , which her family hope isn’t for some time yet.
Gareth Coles, owner of the Cardiff company, said he had read her story and was shocked at the “terrible experience” Glenys had been through.
The offer has been put to Glenys who has accepted the help, which is valued at about £2000.
“I read about Glenys’ ordeal and really felt for her- all her savings and funeral fund stolen” said Mr Coles. “We saw that local people had decided to fund raise for Glenys and wanted to contribute in some way. As a local, independent, family run business, we’re always looking for ways to give back to the Cardiff communities and families we serve, and thought perhaps we could help by offering to cover some of the costs associated with a funeral.
“I’ve spoken to Glenys and offered to waive our professional services fee when the time comes, and we’ve discussed how she can pre-arrange elements if that would give her further peace of mind.”
Son Ken said the conversation with his mum about organising her funeral was “bizarre” but she was grateful for the help.
He said: “I think it’s a bit of a bizarre idea but it’s a really nice gesture. It was a very strange conversation to have and I joked with her that I have not booked the date for her yet.
“I found it a bit strange talking to her about it but at her age it’s important to have those chats.”
Caerphilly florist Nicola Downie also sent a bouquet of flowers to Glenys.
Ken said that his mum won’t ever return to her Cardiff home but since the ordeal, her health has improved dramatically.
He added: “She’ll be here forever now, there’s no way I can let her go back there. She is still having flash backs.”
But he said she is now eating well again and for the first time in a long time is able to walk without crutches.
Ken said: “She’s a different person. Being here has knocked 10 years off her, whereas the other event added 10 years to her. It’s very surreal and strange and I can’t say it’s a good thing that happened to her but now she is living here with us and doing an awful lot better. She’s a different person.”
To donate to the just giving page visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paultownsend-2
Police are continuing to appeal for information about those responsible for the burglary which took place overnight on August 3 and 4.
Anybody with information is urged to contact South Wales Police via 101 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111 quoting reference 302355.
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