“What was taken was of very little financial value, but it is so important for the soldiers. It’s a despicable thing to do. I hope the scutters who carried out this crime are happy and proud of themselves.

“I would hope that anyone who knows them will tell the police.”

Julie, who works as a carer for adults with learning difficulties, added: “Every item was donated from people in Birmingham and my colleagues at the Sandwell Community Caring Trust have been fantastic.

“Everybody has been so generous.

“I had a brief conversation with Tyler and I told him some of the stuff had been stolen and he couldn’t believe it, he just went quiet.

“I have not told Bryn yet because he is travelling back from New York, but it is really upsetting for the whole family.”

The thieves struck some time between 11pm last Thursday and 7am on Friday.

* Anybody with information about the theft should contact officers at Queen’s Road police station on 0845 1135000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.