Dartford mother 'devastated' as thieves steal from daughter's tribute tree
1:38pm Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in News By George Sargent
Hannah wearing the dress in which she will be buried
SICK thieves have stolen tributes left for a Dartford girl killed in a road accident, leaving her mother "devastated".
Hannah Coan, 18, of Heath Street, died after being hit by a silver Mercedes Benz on September 7 at the junction with Phoenix Place.
The former Wilmington Academy pupil lost a five day fight for her life at King’s College Hospital in London on September 12.
Friends and family laid flowers, cards and other mementos by candlelight at a memorial tree in Central Park, Dartford, on September 15.
But now many of the tokens left there have been stolen, including a candle Hannah’s mother, Sharon, put at the foot of the tree.
Amanda Churchman, Mrs Coan’s best friend, said: "They’ve taken beer cans, a packet of fags and her favourite chocolate bar - a Crunchie was stolen.
"They even took the candle her mum lit at the tree. It’s so sad."
The 46-year-old added: "It’s disgusting really. It makes you sick that people would do that but what can you do?"
"They are devastated people can be so cruel when you can clearly see it’s a memorial.
"I think it’s absolutely disgraceful and disgusting to be honest."
The thefts have caused Mrs Coan to make a tribute group on Facebook private for fear of more cruel behaviour.
Mrs Churchman said: "She doesn’t want any more of that. How do you think it makes her feel?"
The family are now trying to focus on the funeral which will take place at St Michael and All Angels’ Church in Wilmington on October 4 at 1pm.
Hannah will be buried in a candy pink coffin wearing the dress she wore for her 18th birthday, which was just days before her death.
Some of her favourite songs will be played including Leona Lewis’s Yesterday, Westlife’s Flying Without Wings and Lawson’s When She Was Mine.
Guests have been asked to wear their brightest clothes possible according to Hannah’s own wishes.
The service will be led by Reverend Richard Arding and the wake will be held at Dartford Social Club in Lowfield Street afterwards.
The family have asked only those who knew Hannah to attend.
Friends have been paying tribute to Hannah, including her former dinner lady from Brent Primary School.
Tina Clarke, 46, of Henderson Drive, Dartford, said: "You’re not supposed to have favourites but she was my favourite. She made it worthwhile going to work."
While 17-year-old Cirra Martin, of Downsview Close, Swanley, told News Shopper: "She was like a sister to me, she was like a sister to lots of people. She was amazing.
"She made everyone smile even on their darkest days, she just gave you that smile."
Police are still appealing for witnesses to call 01622 798538.
They want to hear from those in a Vauxhall Vectra or Insignia which was in the Heath Street area on September 7 at around 6:30pm.
No arrests have been made.
Headstone for Hannah
Hannah’s family are raising money for a heart-shaped headstone, which will feature a picture of her.
It costs £3,500 and so far they have raised £2,000.
Her 46-year-old mum, Sharon, said: "I want her to have the best, she deserves the best.
"It’s going to be a long time before I see her again and I want to sit by a nice headstone."
People can donate by joining the Facebook group Headstone for Hannah or by emailing Amanda Churchman at amanda4jane@live.co.uk.
bizzymum says...
6:43pm Tue 2 Oct 12
I also hope the family are able to raise the necessary funds to give Hannah a real resting place they will cherish.
Its just terribly sad that the family consider tributes such as cans of beer, a packet of fags and a crunchie bar as fitting "tributes" and are then surprised they are stolen.
Hope you find some peace.