A STUDENT midwife whose nan passed away at a hospital ward targeted by thieves has launched an online fundraising drive.

Sacha Allen, 27, was horrified to hear about the shameless thieves who last week plundered a TV and DVD player from the day room of Jefferson Ward at Essex County Hospital.

Her nan, Jean Monk, received “compassionate and professional” care when she spent time at the cancer ward before she passed away this summer.

So Sacha, from Frinton, started a Twitter campaign to raise funds to replace the flatscreen TV and DVD player, bought with donations from grateful patients and their family and friends.

The appeal quickly gathered pace and was “retweeted” by celebrities including former West Ham footballer Julian Dicks and former politician and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Edwina Currie.

On Monday, the midwifery student at Broomfield Hospital’s neo-natal ward, was told the East of England Co-op had already offered to replace the TV and DVD player.

So Sacha decided funds raised should instead go to ensuring patients at the ward have as good a Christmas as possible.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Sacha-Allen

Anyone with information about the theft can call Colchester police on 101.

See Tuesday's Gazette for the full story