A woman's mercy mission to visit her sick sister overseas is hanging in the balance after her passport and savings were stolen.

Irene Spears, 61, of Wellingtonia Court, Brighton, was planning to fly to Chicago next week.

It might be her last chance to see her sister, Mary Looi, 60, who has cancer.

But heightened security since the September 11 atrocity means it is unlikely she will be able to replace her passport in time.

She said: "I went to the building society in London Road to get some money out because I decided I might as well go and get some travellers cheques for my trip.

"On the way to Thomas Cook I stopped off in Somerfield. Somewhere my bag was stolen.

"I think it must have been snipped because otherwise I would have felt it being taken."

Inside Mrs Spears's handbag was her passport and the £400 in cash which she had intended to change into travellers cheques.

She said: "I don't know what to do. I have been crying since and I am so upset. This might be the last time I get to see my sister.

"I have tried to get a new one issued but they have become very strict about it since September 11.

"I need the number of my old passport and to get my photos signed by someone.

"I asked my doctor who has known me for years and my bank manager who also knows me personally but neither of them could do it."

Anyone with information, call police on 0845 6070999.