Hassocks unites to replace ‘stolen’ child cancer awareness bows

A community has rallied to replace seven giant gold bows, used to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, after they were believed to have been stolen.

The bows form part of the annual Hassocks Goes Gold trail in the village High Street every September.

The event was set up by Rachel Bartlett Bundy in memory of her daughter Pearl, who died from Ewing sarcoma – a type of bone cancer – aged just 10 in 2017.

This year’s Giant Gold Bow Trail features 122 bows, each representing hours of work and support from local residents and businesses.

Abigail Lock, from Love Art Studios, said the bows were believed to have been stolen after disappearing between 7 and 9 September.

As they had been attached to trees, organisers believed they were deliberately removed.

“After we discovered they had gone missing we searched everywhere, including in bins, and couldn’t find them,” she said.

In a social media post, Rachel said the incident had been reported to police and appealed for information.

She said she was “heartbroken” by the bows’ disappearance, having “poured her heart and soul” into the Hassocks Gold Trail each year.