Paula Lane said she ‘can’t believe anyone would do such a thing’

An Emmerdale actress has launched a fundraiser after an Elland hospice was raided by cruel thieves.

Paula Lane – best known for her role in the ITV soap as Ella Forster – has set up the GoFundMe page after Overgate Hospice was broken into. Thieves are said to have left thousands of pounds worth of damage, with the hospice’s garden hub, garden counselling pod and spiritual space all affected.

In a post on its Facebook media page published on January 7, Overgate said thieves struck in the “early hours” two days before, but were seen by night staff who called the police before standing next to patients’ beds to ensure their safety in case the criminals made their way into the main hospice building itself.

Overgate said many items in its Big Build hub were stolen, including computers, a large TV screen and even a kettle and bottles of alcohol. Counselling sessions at the hospice were affected. Members of the local community have pulled together, with the hospice posting a number of faces and businesses who helped secure the building and fix lighting.

So far, the fundraiser has raised £930, and Paula said she hopes to restore those at the hospice’s faith in humanity as she raises cash to contribute to replacing the stolen items. In the description on the fundraiser’s page, she said: “Overgate Hospice have unfortunately suffered a break in (still can’t believe anyone would do such a thing).

“Their big build garden hub, garden counselling pod and spiritual space have all been affected. It would be fantastic if we could raise some funds to contribute to the items stolen and show our support and restore their faith in humanity after all the fantastic work they provide.

“Do you want to join me in making a difference? A bit about Overgate …We are an independent and local charity with a mission to ensure that our patients, and those close to them, live with the best possible quality of life. We do this by providing the highest standard of compassionate and evidence-based specialist palliative and end of life care for adults in Calderdale who have active, progressive, life-limiting illnesses.”