Phone with photos of tragic Kayleigh stolen at Telford party

A grieving mother had her mobile phone containing messages sent by friends and family after the death of her nine-year-old daughter stolen during a New Year's Eve party in Telford.

Messages of sympathy and support flooded in for Julie Hunt after her daughter Kayleigh died in November 2010.

Mrs Hunt kept them on her phone, which also contained pictures of Kayleigh, for 'comfort during the worst times'.

But she said the phone was stolen shortly before midnight while she was at a party at Pussycats nightclub.

Today Mrs Hunt, 44, of Admaston, Telford, made a desperate appeal for its safe return.

She said: "I definitely had it at about 11.30pm but it was not until shortly after midnight that I realised it had gone.

"I reported the theft to police officers who were on duty at the club on the night.

"The main reason I want it back is because of all those messages sent to me by friends and well-wishers after Kayleigh died.

"I often read them and they give me comfort during the worst times. They mean so much to me."

An appeal is still under way to buy a headstone for Kayleigh who is buried at Wrockwardine village cemetery.

More than 60 people took part in a sponsored walk from Mrs Hunt's home to the cemetery on December 17 and, although donations are still coming in, that has so far raised £114.

Kayleigh had been staying with her father Gareth Hunt in Ketley Bank, Telford, when she began wheezing on November 20, 2010.

Ambulances attended the house and the youngster was given emergency medical treatment at the scene before being rushed to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. But she was later pronounced dead.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Mrs Hunt's phone or can return it to her is urged to call either her, on her son Oli's phone on 07531 374938, or Telford police on the new non-emergency 101 number.

See also:

• Nine-year-old Telford girl dies after collapsing