A mother and daughter who were both diagnosed with cancer in the same year came home to find the plants they sell to raise funds for charity had been stolen.

Julia Fisher, 75, and her daughter Emma Manning, 52, donate money to the oncology department at the the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and live together in Meadow Way, Hellesdon.

Because of the treatment they received from the NNUH, after their diagnoses in 2015, they decided to return the favour with Julia saying: "We received wonderful support from the hospital and wanted to give back any way we could.

Norwich Evening News: Some of the plants and flowers Julia and Emma sell to raise money for the NNUHSome of the plants and flowers Julia and Emma sell to raise money for the NNUH (Image: Emma Manning)

"So we started off with some charity events and stalls outside the hospital back in late 2015 selling flowers, jams, chutneys and cakes as well.

"Since Covid we had to stop our stalls at the NNUH but we set up a plant stall in our front garden."

Since starting up the pair have raised roughly £20,000 for the oncology department and cancer ward at the NNUH.

However, recently their plant stall has been subject to theft.

Norwich Evening News: The new plaque which has been put outside Julia and Emma's house after the theftThe new plaque which has been put outside Julia and Emma's house after the theft (Image: Emma Manning)

Julia added: "We came home one day last week and noticed that some plants were missing but no money had been left in the letterbox.

"We make it clear people can still pay if we're not at home and we've never had any issues before with it.

"It's really upsetting to us - we're just trying to raise money for people who need support - like we did.

"It's not one or two plants either - it's a lot - and it's taking money away from the hospital.

Norwich Evening News: Emma Manning, left, and Julia Fisher live in Meadow Way, HellesdonEmma Manning, left, and Julia Fisher live in Meadow Way, Hellesdon (Image: Alan Kirkham)

"It shouldn't happen - it's heart-breaking to come home to.

"We've got a large plaque outside saying what the money is being used for, so it's not like people wouldn't know."

Since the theft a new sign has been put out and the family have had to get a security camera installed.

Norwich Evening News: Since 2015 Julia and Emma have raised around £20,000 for the NNUH oncology departmentSince 2015 Julia and Emma have raised around £20,000 for the NNUH oncology department (Image: Emma Manning)

Emma added: "I'm so angry and upset at it all.

"We put a lot of time and effort into growing the plants which we pay for ourselves.

"For someone to come along and take them isn't right."