A family who have struggled with personal tragedy over the last year are pleading for help after some of their prized possessions were stolen this week.

The Morton’s, who live in High Wycombe, were left devastated when a set of fishing equipment was stolen from 24-year-old Callum Morton’s van – the sentimental and costly items were inherited from his father who has been battling cancer since last August.

Parked in Rugwood Road, Flackwell Heath, the vehicle was broken into on the evening of Friday, March 6, and mother Sue Morton said her son and husband Alan were due to use the equipment during a fishing match to raise money for a children’s cancer charity.

She said: “I am sure they [the thieves] have absolutely no idea of the impact this has had on Callum, he has had a very tough year. Most of his stuff cannot be bought any more.

“It has taken nine years of hard graft for him to afford his gear, and reels were inherited from his dad who has just gone through extensive cancer treatment.

“This was the first time Callum was going fishing to chill since his dad’s diagnosis last August.

“Callum was also due to fish a charity fishing match with his dad for Anglers Against Cancer to raise money for children with cancer, and to ‘give back’ but the thieves have now stopped that.”

Included in the stolen equipment were four fishing reels, three rods, a net, kettle, stove and two gas cylinders.

An appeal on Facebook has so far had a great response with more than a 1000 people helping share their appeal.

The family are also offering £200 for the safe return of the equipment.

Anyone with information about the missing equipment is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101.