A GRIEVING MOTHER has spoken of her gratitude for a kind-hearted Worcester business who stepped in to help after her children’s graveside memorials were stolen three times.

Stonemasons of Worcester on Hylton Road responded to an appeal to raise funds for Mechelle Abbott who had seen a trio of monuments taken from the resting place of daughter Sanna and son Kasim at Astwood Cemetery.

They fitted a permanent headstone to the grave on Friday, which after months of heartache, Mrs Abbott says is now finally "complete".

"I can't explain it to be honest, it's very overwhelming," said Mrs Abbott.

"It's nice to know that they've finally got their resting place complete, and it can't be stolen again.

"I don't have to worry about going there and it not being there because this time it can't be taken off."

Stonemasons of Worcester first contacted Mrs Abbott in May after her friend, Trudy Gormley, had set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for a permanent, fixed memorial that features both children's names.

And she admitted to being 'amazed' by the response.

"The stonemasons got in contact with me and told me that they were willing to gift me a headstone," she added. 

"They then offered me a choice of three or four different headstones to pick from and said that I could have whatever I wanted written on it as well - all at no cost.

"It was absolutely amazing."

Mrs Gormley sent the money from the GoFundMe page back to those who had donated and gave what was left over to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

And despite an issue with the ownership of the grave causing a delay in it being fitted, the stonemasons came good on their promise on Friday, which Mrs Abbott said has taken a weight off her shoulders.

"I could never thank them enough to be honest, when I get paid, I'm going to buy them flowers and chocolates and everything that I can because they've really taken a big weight off my shoulders.

"I will forever be grateful to them."

Zoe Cox-Adams, director at Stonemasons, said: "I read Mechelle’s story and really felt for her.

"Unfortunately, I hear stories of this from other families that we've worked with which is why I always recommend personalising removable items such as vases. Once it has a name on it’s no good to anyone else.

"I really wanted to help and fortunately I am in a position to do so."