Colchester mum praises community over stolen sculpture

Helen Sadler’s daughter, Erin, who was a ray of sunshine, sadly lost her lifelong battle with blood, kidney, liver and heart disease at nine years old in December 2022. 

Since then, her mother has continued to spread joy in Erin’s name and set up a memorial space at her home in Ipswich Road, where her daughter enjoyed hours of people-watching. 

On November 1, the area, which included an arch and planting, was vandalised and a sculpture stolen. 

Broken – The sculpture was broken off the ground (Image: Helen Sadler)

The heartless act left the mother and Erin’s supporters shocked. 

Helen said: “It does sting; it was a really unpleasant thing that happened. 

“The sculpture was something I did for my daughter, it is named ‘a Mother’s Love’. It was hard to find something to remember your child when it is gone.” 

Erin’s 12th birthday would have been on October 25, with the anniversary of her passing on December 13, so the timing of the incident has left the family upset. 

But in the spirit of her daughter, Helen is aiming to make the best of the situation, after she was flooded with messages of encouragement. 

She said: “When I posted about the incident on Facebook, I received so many messages of compassion. A lot of people reached out and responded to the post. 

Memorial – Helen put up a memorial space in honour of her daughter outside her home (Image: Helen Sadler)

“Colchester shows they care. I don’t want anything negative attached to Erin’s name. 

“Erin was such a wonderful, beautiful little girl. 

“I’m going to replace it. I don’t want it back. A lot of people have offered to donate towards a new figure, but I would rather they donate money to the Rainbow Trust in Erin’s name.” 

The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, in Marks Tey, offers support to children suffering from life-threatening conditions and their families, which has been a vital support to Erin and Helen over the years. 

“It is my personal goal to do as much for other families like us,” Helen said. “It is awful having to go through it, but there can be laughter even in those times.” 

Over the years, more than £30,000 has been raised in Erin’s memory. 

For more information about the charity and how to donate, visit rainbowtrust.org.uk.