A DYING Bromsgrove veteran whose home was burgled as he lay asleep passed away just a week after the raid.
Following the incident at the home of Cyril Maddox, who lived on Stourbridge Road, the Bromsgrove community rallied together to replace the stolen cash.
The 87-year-old was suffering from a terminal illness.
Around £600 was taken from his bedside table which inspired the family to set up a GoFundMe page.
Almost double the original target, £1,045, has been raised so far.
Mr Maddox’s daughter Kerry Crisp, said: “After such a horrible crime it was so wonderful to see the people of Bromsgrove get together and do something truly positive.
“I want the community to know, you are all welcome to attend my dad’s funeral.”
Kerry and her family are planning to use some of the extra money to make a pigeon out of flowers in memory of Mr Maddox.
“He loved animals and enjoyed pigeon-flying as a hobby,” said Kerry.
“We are also doing it for the people of Bromsgrove to show our appreciation for the generosity of this town.
“Initially it will be put on his grave but we will move it to a public place in the future so that it can be viewed by everyone.”
Following the incident the family of Mr Maddox have received kind letters from strangers and people who knew him well.
Kerry added: “He was just so sweet. Always the first to give and the last to receive, which makes what happened even more heartbreaking.
“I am so angry still but I am trying to think of what my dad taught me which was to find peace and move on. If he was still here now he would tell me to let it go.”
Cyril’s funeral will be held at All Saints Church at midday next Wednesday, July 25. Afterwards a wake will be held at Catshill Social Club.
