ROYAL Mail has launched an investigation after cards containing charity donations in memory of ten-year-old Joni May Lang were stolen.

The grieving family became suspicious when promised donations failed to materialise and empty envelopes were delivered to their home.

Royal Mail has confirmed a member of staff no longer works for the Wombwell branch and the Chronicle understands he was a postman.

Mum Helen Winter, 40, of Worsbrough Road, Blacker Hill, said she was shocked to receive a letter from Royal Mail admitting a theft.

She said: “I couldn't believe it. I rang Mum and she said they'd had the same letter.

“We know of at least six cards that have gone missing and they were just the ones sent to us. “Other relatives have had empty envelopes through their door.”

The family had asked friends and family to send money in lieu of flowers for brave Joni, who died of a rare blood disease on September 9.

But they were appalled to discover how donations sent to other relatives in Hoyland Common and Hemingfield had been intercepted.

The letter, from Royal Mail in Wombwell, said they were ‘taking all appropriate action necessary’.

It read: “Please find enclosed some post for your address, which has unfortunately been delayed as a result of a theft.

“This item was recently discovered when we recovered some mail which is around two weeks old.”

It went on to apologise for ‘any inconvenience or distress you may experience’ but stepdad Mark, 47, said he felt sick when he read it.

He said: “It is absolutely despicable, especially when it involves a young child like this. I was shaking when I opened it. It’s just sick.”

A Royal Mail spokesman refused to confirm if a prosecution was pending but said the matter was being investigated.

She said: “Royal Mail in the Barnsley area is investigating an incident of theft from the mail following the discovery of some items which had been delayed or tampered with.”

Mum Helen said she hoped their internal enquiries would result in a prosecution.

She said: “I know we'll never get the money back or ever know how much he took but that's not the point. They've not robbed us, they've robbed PACT.”

Joni’s collection has raised nearly £2,000 for her favourite charity, the Parents Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia (PACT).