FRIENDS and relatives are rallying round to help a Bradford on Avon woman who lost everything she owns when her van was stolen while she was sat nearby having a cup of tea with her partner.

They have launched a gofundme fundraising appeal to help Gee Breeze Parfitt, whose vehicle was taken at 7.30pm on Thursday while it was parked in Moulton Drive.

The appeal has already raised more than £1,000 towards its £2,000 goal with donations from more than 25 friends and relatives.

Andrew Rossiter, who launched the appeal, said: "My partner Gee Breeze Parfitt had her van stolen from Moulton Drive.

"Her van; a white Ford Transit, mid top with roof rack and rear ladder, Reg BG56 XXP was her life, her freedom and her ability to earn whilst at the same time is, was, container for her whole life as it was her home.

"G has lost everything and was left, quite literally in the clothes she had on and a few personal effects which she’d had with her as we were out on a trip to Stow on the Wold Horse Fair.

"The morning of Thursday, G had parked her van on Moulton Drive as we were driving up in my van. On our return, we returned to Moulton Drive where we parked and sat drinking tea and nattering about our day in my van.

"Whilst nattering, G thought she heard her van start, on this I got out of my van and watched in horror as her van drove past mine and headed away from us. G was destroyed, her entire world had vanished in front of her eyes."

"When I ,say that it has destroyed her I mean it. Her van was her home, her safe haven and it housed all her worldly belongings from her clothing, her cooking kit, her life tools as well as those treasured personal items that we all cherish.

"G has lost gifts from her late grandparents, her poetry writing built up over more than 15 years, her sketch books, her treasured reading and reference books, her jewellery, her work tools, her bed and bedding, in fact quite literally and honestly, everything that was precious to her entire life and wellbeing.

"For anyone who is lucky enough to have had their lives touched by G will understand and appreciate how; for someone who is so caring, loving and giving of her own time and energy, will feel how devastating this has been.

"Any help that you are able to give would be so truly appreciated, so that G can begin to replace and rebuild the life that was so cruelly taken away from her."

The theft has been reported to Wiltshire Police. Anyone who sees the van is asked to call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

To donate, click here.