Fundraisers have hit out at the ”low life” who stole 700 medals and goodie bags from Dundee Race for Life.
The criminal broke into a lorry parked at the Premier Inn near Camperdown Park, where the charity race was taking place, and made off with the goods in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Organisers announced from the stage that owing to the theft some runners may not receive their medals.
Cancer survivor Carole Bennett (47), who took part in the race with her sisters Jane McCaffrey, Ellen Ferrie and Susan Pyle, said she was disgusted.
”Everyone was absolutely disgusted when it was announced,” she said. ”It’s the work of a low life. It’s just awful for something that is such a good cause.
”People are going out of their way to raise money for Cancer Research and somebody is doing something like that. It’s just the lowest of the low.”
It is understood around 700 goodie bags, which included the medals, a bottle of water, shot of coffee, cereal and leaflets, were taken from the lorry.
Race for Life event manager Carolyn Johnston said a special delivery from Haydock, near Liverpool, had to be sent so runners completing the 10km circuit could be recognised for their efforts.
She said: ”It’s terrible that goody bags destined as a thank you for the 2,400 women who braved miserable weather conditions to raise money for Cancer Research UK were stolen.
”It’s just sickening. We all felt pretty sick to hear about something like that happening.”
Dundee City Council leader Ken Guild condemned the thieves and urged those with any information on who might be responsible to come forward.
He said: ”This was a great charity event and I hope all of the women involved enjoyed their time in Dundee.
”Of course, I have to condemn the persons responsible for this theft, which is especially bad considering it involved a charity. I would appeal for anyone who might know anything to contact the police.”
Anyone with information that could help the inquiry should call police on 0300 111 2222.