A pensioner who raised money for cancer victims was left distraught after a burglar stole the cash and her engagement ring.

Marguerite Marsh, 76, who has raised more than £30,000 for good causes over the years, was so shaken by the break-in she spent the night with neighbours.

Now, police officers called out to investigate have vowed to replace the money themselves.

The thief, who smashed his way through a patio door to gain entry, stole £30 she had collected for a sponsored walk to raise money to care for cancer patients.

The offender also took the diamond engagement and eternity rings her late husband Dennis gave her and which she had treasured since he died from cancer 12 years ago.

Mrs Marsh has defiantly vowed to complete the walk to raise money for the Martlets Hospice in Hove to show the thief she will not be beaten.

She broke down in tears as she described the raid at her home in Hove on Sunday afternoon.

She said: "I went out to a concert and I would normally have worn the rings while I was out.

"As I was walking along the seafront I realised I had not got them on but thought no more about it.

"When I arrived back home, the police had been called by a neighbour and were already here.

"The burglar had been through my jewellery boxes and taken my engagement ring and eternity ring.

"He had also taken the £30 I had collected for the Martlets and a bag full of foreign coins and old British coins I was going to sell to raise money.

"A bank book which had about £6,000 in it was also gone but the police have put a stop on the account.

"I could not face spending the night here alone so a neighbour very kindly said I could stay with them."

Mrs Marsh's son David said: "It is barely believable that someone can break into a person's home and take money meant for charity."

The cash had been left with sponsorship forms which clearly stated the money was to be used to help the hospice.

Mrs Marsh is well known locally as a charity fund-raiser and has raised more than £30,000 for good causes.

Her work was recognised when Esther Rantzen presented her with a Champions of the Community award a few years ago.

PC Justin Burtenshaw said: "We are having a collection to sponsor her and if anyone else would like to do so they can contact me at Hove police station."

Anyone with information about the break-in can call 0845 6070999.