downsmail.co.uk
Tribute stolen fromgrave of former soldier Titch
THE family of an ex-serviceman who died in tragic circumstances are devastated after ornamental poppies they left on his gravewere stolen. Titch O’Sullivan was killed in an
accident during the Sutton Valence pramrace in January 2017, andwas laid to rest in the churchyard at St Nicholas in Leeds, in a plot he shareswith his brother and father. His sister Jeanette Gribben had
bought two metal poppies and placed themon his grave earlier this year, but when another family member went to visit the grave in March, they had been taken. Titch’smumKathleenO’ Sullivan
was shocked by the incident. “I am very upset,” she said. “It’s
not the cost of the poppies, it’s the principle. I can’t understand why anyone would want to do some- thing like this. “My sonwas a hero, hewas in the
armed forces and that’swhywe put themthere, and then someone goes and takes them. “I amabsolutely devastated.”
Kathleen O’Sullivan, left, and Jeanette Gribben at the grave
Mrs Gribben, who lives in Scot-
land, visited the grave with her mum and added: “I was very close to my brother and I thought the poppies were a perfect tribute to him. It’s very upsetting that they have been taken.”
Titch,whose real namewas Fran-
cis, was 52 when he died in the crash during the race last year. Rev Steve Hughes was appalled
at the incident. “It shows a complete lack of re-
spect,” he said. “It’s a horrible crime and I feel so sorry for these ladies who have lost their son and brother and then are having to deal with this aswell. “It’s the first one I’ve heard of in
this churchyard and it’s appalling.” Kent Police have been in contact
withMrs O’Sullivan.A spokesman said: “Kent Police received a report that the poppies were stolen from beside a grave at St Nicholas’ Church in Lower Street between 4.30pmon Saturday, 24March and 2.19pmonMonday, 26March. “Anyone who has any informa-
tion thatmay help the investigation is asked to contact Kent Police on 01634 604100 quoting reference YY/010082/18. “Alternatively, they can contact
Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
News Charity walk
with a lunch THE Cancer Research UK North Downswalkwill leave fromHarri- etsham village hall, Church Road, on Sunday, June 10 . Check-in is between 8am-11am
and non-sponsored walkers are welcome for a minimum donation of £
15.Choices are between 1,3,6 or 9-mile walks and dogs are wel- come. Therewill be a free ploughman’s
lunch, strawberries and a jazz band on return. For details go to
www.wealdofkentrotary.org.uk or call 07519 320919.
History display THERE will be a village history display and creamteas at theChart Sutton village hall at 4.30pm on Sunday,May 26. The event will include a plant sale and a raffle.
Pub’s rumdo ARUMmaster classwill be held at the Potting Shed,Horseshoes Lane, Langley, at 7pmon Thursday,May 10.
Tickets for the event cost £25 per person, and include four cocktails.
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