A DEVASTATED widower suffering from terminal cancer has been left heartbroken after an iPad containing “priceless” photographs of his late wife was snatched from his hospital bedside.

Bernie Chilten, 72, was initially admitted to Colchester General Hospital with a chest infection.

He took with him his cherished iPad, which contains family pictures spanning seven years.

Mr Chilten’s wife Patricia died around ten weeks ago at the age of 77 after her own battle with cancer.

Some of his fondest memories of time spent with his wife were stashed on the tablet computer.

Son Louis, 42, from Chelmsford, said: “He has been like a broken man since it has gone missing.

“You don’t expect someone to steal from a hospital.

“Im disgusted someone would do that.

“It was awful seeing my father broken, losing so many memories and thousands of pictures on this iPad.

“His chest infection had got worse and worse, but staff at the hospital were amazing and he was fine until this happened.

“It really put him back and left him devastated.

“Then last week he was told he had cancer on his lung and it is terminal.

“He now has only months to live.

“He is still mourning my mother and wants to see these pictures more than ever.”

Louis has seen a social media appeal to find the missing iPad reach thousands of people.

He is still hopeful of re-uniting his father with the cherished memories.

The iPad went missing from the Acute Cardiac Unit between 3pm and 4pm on Wednesday, June 7.

Louis added: “It is easy to say he could have backed it up in hindsight - but he is not up to speed with that sort of thing.

“This theft has kicked him when he is down.

“We have put up the reward for the return of the iPad to £500.

“The iPad is worth probably £15 to £20, but the photos are priceless.

“We don’t care about prosecuting we just want it returned.”

A hospital spokesman said: “We appreciate it is not simply about the missing iPad, but about precious photos and memories of his late wife - so this is an exceptionally upsetting situation for him.

“The ward sister has personally apologised to Mr Chilten, her staff are also sad and disappointed the computer appears to have been stolen.

“As far as she is aware this is the first time anything like this has happened on her ward.

“As soon as staff were alerted they carried out an extensive search involving many staff including security colleagues and a matron, but were not able to find the computer.

“They have gone through CCTV footage, but to no avail.

“They are keen to do what they can to reunite Mr Chilten with the photos.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 and the Gazette on 01206 508288.