Prize-winning flowers stolen from house-bound pensioner

A DISABLED pensioner is heartbroken after callous thieves stole her flowers just days after she won a prize for them.

Katheline ‘Betty’ Keenan, 77, of Windsor House, Wenlock Road, Hoxton, was delighted when her collection of flowerbeds and flowerpots was awarded top prize in the Corporation of London competition for her block.

Her joy was short-lived as unknown thieves stole the flowers from outside the flat Mrs Keenan and her husband John have lived in for more than 50 years.

The theft happened in the early hours of Sunday August 22 just a few days after she came out of hospital.

Mrs Keenan said: “It has knocked my sense of independence. I am registered disabled and have not been out of the house for two years.

“I thought ‘why me?’ These people could get plants from anywhere. These flowers were my babies; I fed them and they came up really nice.

“I hope someone reads this in the Gazette and gets a conscience and brings my flowers back. My grandchildren have said they will buy me some more but they won’t be the same.”

Robert Jacks, Neighbourhood Manager at the City of London Corporation said: “The theft of Mrs Keenan’s flowers is a real shame particularly as she was judged to be the best display at Windsor House this year.

“Residents on our estates look forward to the annual flower competition so much and go to extraordinary lengths with their floral displays. It’s a pity other people want to spoil that.”