Racist graffiti drawn on baby’s memorial
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EXCLUSIVE
by Alan McGuinness
A mother whose daughter died at birth has spoken of her horror
at finding a memorial bench defaced with racist graffiti.
Zowie Darling, 25, went to the burial site of Tilly Rose at
Chatham Cemetery on Friday and made the discovery.
She has now reported the incident to Kent Police, whose officers
visited the Maidstone Road site to gather evidence.
The case has been passed to the force's race hate unit.
Zowie said: "I'm livid, I'm still angry now. It's really
upsetting to think that someone can go into a cemetery and do
that.
"They know that she is a baby, it says it on the bench and
grave. I'm horrified. The bench cost me £750 and it's opposite the
grave."
She said this is not the first incident involving the grave and
bench.
"Two weeks ago I put 11 lights on the grave and now there's five
left. I just want it all to stop, it's a place for people to
rest."
Offensive messages, including swearwords have been daubed on the
bench, along with Tilly Rose's name and other names.
A Medway Council spokesman said: "Theft of any kind is
disgraceful, but theft from a cemetery is unforgivable. The vandals
have also scrawled 'kill you' on the memorial seat.
"Anyone who is aware of any criminal activity should report the
matter to the police.
"Sadly, we have to advise people that they should not leave
anything of worth or sentimental value in any public place,
including cemeteries."
Tilly died at Medway Maritime Hospital last July, most probably
because of a knot in her umbilical cord.
Zowie, of Bull Lane, Newington, has since raised almost £10,000
for two foetal heart monitors to be used at the hospital so that
more pregnant mums can be monitored.
Monday, April 18 2011
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