SHOCK at a mean theft and a desire to help armed forces charities inspired the Guernsey Sporting Club to donate £500 to the Chelsea Pensioners’ Holiday Fund.

Thieves broke into the slaughterhouse complex at the end of October and stole money raised by John Gallienne, 79, to bring the pensioners to Guernsey for their annual trip – as well as money from businesses based there.

Mr Gallienne has been fund-raising for 44 years and hoped to mark his 80th birthday with a milestone 45th trip before handing over the reins.

Club president Alan Cross said it was upsetting to hear what had happened, so suggested at a committee meeting that the club should donate some money.