It is difficult for ordinary people to understand the thinking that is behind the theft of a charity collection box from the counter of an Ilkley cafe.

Even if the thief was desperate, surely the fact that the money was in what was obviously a donation container for a good cause should have given pause for thought.

It is perhaps too charitable to give the thief such excuses as desperation – it is probably more likely that an opportunist criminal saw the box, knew it would be full of money, and took their chance.

It is a sad indictment of the mindset of some people that they always think their need is greater then anyone else’s.

The box had around £300 in it which was raised from the contributions of generous visitors to La Stazione in aid of a local mum who is battling from the condition Multiple Sclerosis.

You would fervently hope that the thief has been suffering pangs of conscience since the theft and, if they are reading this, will realise the heartache they have caused.

Maybe they are already making plans to return the box and all the money to the cafe so it can go to its rightful destination.

Sadly, that seems unlikely, and the thief will doubtless be spending their spoils without a second thought.

In that case, it is to be hoped that the police find them quickly and the full weight of the law is brought down on them for their despicable crime.

The Race for Life is always a welcome spectacle in Ilkley, with hundreds of runners taking part to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

It is also always touching to read about the stories of those who are taking part, whether it is because they have suffered cancer themselves, have a family member who has succumbed to the disease, or just want to do their bit.

We all know someone, or know of someone, whose life has been blighted by cancer, and this is one way that people can try to give something back.

The fight against cancer goes on, and without those who do their bit to raise money in whatever way possible, it will continue to be a battle.

One day, hopefully, the breakthrough that is needed to finally crack cancer will be made.

Until then, the work goes on and it is all thanks to the women who took part in Race for Life, or anyone who does any kind of fundraising, no matter how small, that research continues.

Strides are being made towards treatments and eventual cures for a wide range of cancers, and anyone who took part in this event should be proud of themselves for helping advance the cause.

If you weren’t able to take part this year, perhaps our photographs of the marvellous event will encourage you to do your bit when Race for Life comes back to Ilkley next summer.