A pie and mash shop owner was devastated when thieves snatched a collection tin containing £400 raised for the children of his cousin who had died following a battle with cancer.

But the Newham community – and generous West Ham United fans – have rallied round and showed real Christmas spirit by donating once again.

Jamie Dickel started the collection in memory of mum-of-four Maxine Guiver, who had worked at his Traditional East End Pie and Mash shop, Barking Road for three years, but sadly died of skin cancer in October aged just 42.

Jamie wanted to give the money to Maxine’s children during what will be a difficult Christmas for them.

And when the tin was taken Jamie said he was despairing for humanity.

But replacement donations poured in again following an appeal for information from Jamie.

As the Recorder went to press, the total topped more than £500 with more likely in the coming days.

Jamie said: “I had gone to see my son in his school nativity play on Thursday when I got a text from my colleague Luke asking if I had moved the tin,” said Jamie.

“I told him I hadn’t and after looking he couldn’t find it.

“I never asked people to leave money, just left it up to them as I was trying to get the kids something nice and help take their minds off it.

“I was quite low and despairing of humanity when it happened but the response on social media is phenomenal.”

Following a social media campaign, a new tin for Maxine’s children who are aged seven, eight, 18 and 21, was put on the counter on Friday.

Before and after West Ham’s match against Sunderland on Saturday, fans who passed the shop gave cash to the fund and Jamie was overwhelmed with the generous donations.

“I want to thank the fans, people who knew Maxine and the customers who saw the sign and have been very generous,” he said.