A BURY cafe worker helped set up a fundraising page after hearing how a 91-year-old woman was punched and robbed in the street.

Frail pensioner Lily Walsh, who uses a shopping trolley as a walking aid, was mugged after visiting Morrisons in Bolton town centre.

Leyanne Bromley, who works at Bake n Butties in Bolton Road, was so outraged she helped set up a fundraising page, alongside mum Kath Connor and friend Shelley Breen, to help Mrs Walsh.

They set a modest target of £200, but within just three days, the figure was smashed with more than three weeks of the appeal still to run.

Yesterday, the figure stood at £1,242, with more than 30 pledges made, including one of £1,000.

Ms Bromley, aged 31, from Breightmet, said: "When I was 20, I was helping old ladies cross the road.

"Things just seem to be getting worse and I just wanted this woman to know that there are still decent people out there.

"There just aren't the words really to describe what this person has done."

The attack happened on Saturday July 18 when Mrs Walsh was punched in the face by a female attacker, who had asked her if she had change for £20 then snatched her purse.

Ms Bromley added: "I just wanted her faith in the community to be restored. Money seemed the best gesture, as she had money stolen.

"She can do what she chooses with the money raised. I just want her to know that people care out there."

Mrs Walsh was very moved by the gesture.

She said: "I am alright. I still weep a bit when I think about it.

"I don't really want the attention, but it's very good of them and I thank them very much for what they have done.

"I think I will choose to donate the money to Cancer Research UK, after my daughter died from cancer a few years ago."

The fundraising page set up for Mrs Walsh can be accessed via www.crowdfunding.justgiving.com/shelley-breen.