A PENSIONER who had her shopping bag snatched during a Chester Cathedral service is hoping others can learn from a letter she penned about her ordeal. After losing her money, keys, important notes and payment cards, the 83-year-old mother, just 4ft 11ins in height, later wrote down exactly how the theft made her feel. She is now hoping others will read about her experience and be encouraged to stay on their guard and one step ahead of criminals. 'I lie awake at night. How could it happen? But it did,' the letter begins. 'The strength went out of my legs. It was as if I was just getting over a bad illness. It has now gone five days and it's slowly improving. I was not ill enough to call my doctor in, but too ill to go out and sit in a surgery as I'm tearful and can't concentrate on what I'm doing. 'It was really hard work to get washed and dressed. I just wanted to sit and watch TV, but I couldn't tell you what was going on as my mind was asking 'How could this have happened?' I thought I had taken all precautions with my money but still they had me. 'Today is the first time I've been able to eat a meal. Now, when I answer the phone the person asks 'What's the matter with your voice?' It trembles all the time. 'Worst of all was when I got back home. Fortunately, my brother-in-law was holding a key in case of an emergency so we could get in. Then it was getting in touch with the Post Office, about an account card I use to pay bills then sending for another bus pass. Everything seemed horrendous. 'At the present moment I don't want to do anything about the house which is not like me because I do like housework. 'I feel lucky I didn't have a stroke because I come from a big family and I've lost nearly all of them, including my mother, with strokes. With having high blood pressure and so many shocks in my life with losing my family, I feel so lucky I didn't have a stroke because I was reallystunnedtosee my purse was missing. 'I feel God was good to me and I'm sure I'll get over it and in fact, writing all this down has been good therapy in itself, so now I'll wash the dishes and I'm sure I'll feel better.' The pensioner, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave the letter about her thoughts and feelings to police officers involved in the investigation along with a letter of thanks for all their help. | 
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