A HEARTBROKEN Bolton mother spoke today of her grief after sickening thieves plundered her son's grave of toys. Susan McQuiggan, of Marld Crescent, Johnson Fold, was horrified when presents left on her son Michael's gravestone were stolen. They had been bought for Michael's 16th birthday but he died just four weeks before.

Mrs McQuiggan, aged 38, said: "I thought I was beginning to cope with Michael's death but this has set me right back to square one.

"I was so disgusted when I saw what had happened.

"They meant nothing to anyone, worthless.

"But to us they meant everything.

"I can't get any more, it just wouldn't be the same.

"My four-year-old niece gave a little teddy bear, she thought it had gone to heaven."

Michael died in September last year, nine years after first being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

The thieves stole Bart Simpson dolls given by his brother Barry, 13, and his sister Sally 10, as well as other toys and ornaments including an angel being held in two porcelain hands.

Michael's condition, a terminal muscle-wasting disease, meant that for much of his short life he was wheelchair bound.

But his tragic plight helped others when his photo was used to fund raise for Chorley-based children's hospice Derian House, although Michael was treated at Martin House Children's Hospice, in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.

Mrs McQuiggan said: "He suffered enough when he was alive with people staring at him and some kids even calling him names.

"I thought I was putting him to rest in peace.

"But there can be no peace while this sort of thing is going on."

And the angry mum has blasted Bolton Council which runs Heaton Cemetery, Heaton, where Michael is buried, for not locking gates in the evenings.

She also said dogs were being allowed to roam around, leaving dog mess and even scratching at graves to dig things up.

She added: "Dogs had already dug up one of the Bart Simpson's I left and chewed it.

"The council ought to do something because I'm sure other relatives are suffering too."

But Bolton Council said the cemetery was being properly looked after and it was closed in the evening to try to stop youngsters getting in.

A spokesman said: "It is a problem and we sympathise with people as we are fully aware of the distress these incidents cause.

"There are notices in the cemetery saying that dogs aren't allowed except guide dogs.

"When staff see people with dogs we ask them to keep them on a lead.

"The gates are locked at night but like many cemeteries, people can gain access.

"The area is regularly patrolled by our own rangers and we would ask if people see anything suspicious if they would contact the police or the ranger service on 01204 522311 extension 1119 or 1120."

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