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Parents 'don't want to give up hoping' they will be reunited with ashes of baby daughter

Devastated mother Claire Smallwood after thieves stole her stillborn baby Holly's ashes from her home in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
Devastated mother Claire Smallwood after thieves stole her stillborn baby Holly's ashes from her home in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann Devastated mother Claire Smallwood after thieves stole her stillborn baby Holly's ashes from her home in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

A WOMAN has said she and her partner "don't want to give up hoping" that the ashes of their baby daughter will be returned more than a week after being stolen from their home in west Belfast.

Claire Smallwood and her partner Paddy have still not been reunited with the ashes of daughter Holly, who was stillborn in November last year, after they were taken by thieves during a burglary last Tuesday.

The ashes had been kept in a box surrounded by pictures at their homes off the Ballygomartin Road. The box was not stolen, but a bag inside the box which contained the ashes was removed.

Ms Smallwood and her partner believe that those responsible may have taken the bag after mistaking it for drugs. The burglars did not take any other items.

The couple told The Irish News that they have been informed that the house of a neighbour was also burgled, with jewellery, chocolates and sweets stolen from that property.

In a post on Facebook, Ms Smallwood expressed her frustration that there had been no news in the week since the theft.

"It is obvious by now the person who done this has seen how desperate we are to get Holly back and for whatever reason haven't responded to our pleas," she wrote.

"As much as we don't want to give up hoping but the more time goes on the less chance we have of getting our baby back."

Ms Smallwood added: "Please please everyone share whatever you can today regarding this..maybe if the culprit sees something one more time it could break them and make them do the right thing. Thank you all."

Police have urged anyone with information to contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.