WHEN a Runcorn student heard that a vulnerable pensioner had been robbed in a supermarket, she wanted to do something to help.

Sophie Appleton, aged 21, from Palacefields, was appalled to hear that thieves had targeted the 70-year-old woman.

Two female offenders were caught on CCTV following her around Asda in Warrington’s Cockhedge Centre before removing her purse from her bag and stealing £200.

One of the suspects, a 49-year-old woman, has now been charged with theft and will appear at Halton Magistrates Court on June 10.

Sophie, who is studying English and maths at the Acorn Learning Centre in Castlefields, said: “I thought it was awful when I read about it.

“If this had happened to my nan I would have been so upset.

“It’s disgusting that someone can do this. I wanted to do something to help.”

Sophie, who hopes to be a child minder, set up a justgiving page and hopes to raise the £200 that was stolen.

So far, wellwishers have donated £90.

She said: “I spoke to her son on Facebook. He was happy for me to do this.

“I hope this restores faith back into humanity with everyone coming together to help.”

Investigations are still ongoing to trace the second woman. The incident happened on Friday, May 1 at 12pm.

PC Graham Davies said: “We would like to thank the many members of the public who have gone out of their way to not only help us, but also those who have expressed their sympathy with the victim by setting up a justgiving page.”

Wire Sam posted: “A big thanks to Sophie for showing great humanity in raising the money for the victim.”

To support Sophie’s appeal, click here