Anger as flowers are stolen from boy’s grave

UPSET . . . Sharon Collins places fresh flowers on her son’s grave

HEARTLESS thieves have stolen graveside flowers left in loving memory of an 11-year-old boy.

Distraught relatives of Scott Fanning, who died 12 years ago in a tragic accident, fear the impressive bouquets may have been taken to give to someone or to sell.

They hope that by publicising the cruel theft it will prick a conscience and lead to the culprit being identified.

Family and friends visited Scott’s grave in Chadderton Cemetery last Saturday on what would have been his 23rd birthday. But the next day, Valentine’s Day, mum Sharon Collins, from Denshaw, was devastated to discover that some had been taken.

Missing is a bunch of red roses in green tinted cellophane and a bespoke arrangement in water featuring a butterfly. The cards which had been attached were found on the path a short distance away.

“I can’t believe someone would do that. They were not even on there a day before being taken.

“I only hope that whoever received or bought the flowers from the thief reads this and realises that the flowers they have were stolen from a child’s grave and that the thief is made to feel ashamed of their actions.”

Scott suffered severe head injuries on May 23, 1998, after losing his footing on a treacherous path and plunging 60ft down a ravine.

The Chadderton St Herbert’s Scouts member was among 11 boys being taken on a morning walk by a voluntary helper while on a camp at Ashworth Valley.

The Scout Association accepted liability and four years later awarded Sharon £7,500 compensation — the maximum allowed in such cases.

Sharon later campaigned for more safety measures to prevent other tragedies.

But devoted dad Alan Fanning never recovered from losing his son and was found dead in a fume-filled car in 2000.

Councillor Mark Alcock said: “This is a disgusting act of theft and I, on behalf of Oldham Council, send my deepest sympathies to Mrs Collins during what must be a very distressing time. The council is monitoring the situation and patrols will be increased in the area.

“If anyone witnesses thefts of this type I ask them to contact police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.”