AN online fundraiser was set up to replace an 81-year-old woman’s lost money, after people offered to make donations.

Betty Rees lost her purse in Llandrindod Wells in the run-up to Christmas on Friday, December 21. It contained her pension money which she planned on buying her Christmas food with. However, her purse has since been found and the donated money returned.

Her daughter, Caroline Withington, posted about the incident on the Facebook group Llandrindod Solutions. She encouraged people to let her know if they had found it or to give it in to the police; and was not expecting for people to offer to donate to help make up for her mother’s loss.

The status, posted last Friday, said: “I know this is a long shot but my 81-year-old mum lost her purse in town this afternoon, she remembers having it in Bargain Buys but after that it is a mystery where it went, so if anyone has picked it and has it safe please let me know or take it to the police station.

“It had her pension money in so you can imagine she is very upset as she wanted to get her Christmas food in among other things.”

People started commenting below the post, offering to donate money.

Becka Lou Davies said: “Sorry to hear she lost her pension money and her purse.

“Is there any way we can club together to make sure we recover the money you lost because I can’t see you getting your replacement cards until after Christmas.”

Ashley Morris said: “That’s horrible. I’ll happily throw £5 in if we get a pot going should the money not show up.”

Caroline initially declined the offer of help for her mum, but since decided to set up a GoFundMe for the lost money. “Unfortunately mum’s purse wasn’t returned and after a lot of thinking I have set up a GoFundMe page for her as I have never seen her so upset, and a lot of you wonderful people asked how you could donate,” Caroline wrote on Facebook.

On the fundraising page, she said: “Unfortunately she had just got her pension out and had some cash already in her purse, which was a total of £180 which she wanted to use for Christmas food and some bills.

“As you can imagine at 81 years of age she is devastated that it has happened and even more that someone would do such a thing.

“I have set this up as people have asked how they could donate and this was the only thing I could think of doing.

“Thank you to every single person that has left lovely comments and offers of help. We know it is a hard time for everyone this time of year so please don’t feel you should give, please look after yourself and your family first.”

The day after the fundraiser was set up and £130 was raised, Betty’s purse was found. Posting on Facebook on Christmas Eve (Monday, December 24) Caroline said: “Fantastic news, mum’s purse has been found and all the money is there: nearly £250.

“I will never forget how kind everyone has been. For the people that donated to the GoFundMe I will return your money by PayPal or bank transfer whichever is easiest.

“As for the bit I donated I will give it to Helping our Homeless Wales.

“Thank you all again and have a fantastic Christmas. I am messaging everyone that donated cxx.”

Nina Howell said: “She came in the salon very upset and tearful. I hope she finds it.”