Fundraising for the hospice began in 2004

Burglars broke into the Severn Hospice at Apley Castle in Wellington on Monday damaging walls and ceilings.

Organisers say the theft has set the opening back two weeks which might mean some may not be able to be cared for there in the last days of their lives.

Fundraising manager Lucy Proctor said she is devastated and now expects the hospice to open in late September.

When time is all you've got then having that snatched away from you is so cruel Lucy Proctor, fundraising manager

She said: "We're absolutely devastated as so many people in the community have been working so hard.

"Everything was ahead of schedule and now this has happened.

"The financial cost will be borne by contractors so it won't affect the fundraising side of things.

"But if we open two weeks late well, two weeks is all some of our patients have got so some people that would have come to the hospice just won't be able to now.

"When time is all you've got then having that snatched away from you is so cruel."

The hospice will offer day care for patients with a range of illnesses, with in-patient beds to follow.