FIVE grieving children have been left devastated when they discovered on Mother's Day that their mum's memorial had been stolen. 

READ MORE:   Barrow mum's family says thanks for help

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The family of Lisa Arnold, who died last July, discovered the theft of her plaque when they visited Barrow Cemetery on Sunday to leave Mother's Day cards and gifts.

They fundraised tirelessly last year so her children would have a place to visit their mum.

Lisa's sister, Amanda, said: "I can't believe it. We took all the kids down there on Mother's Day and it was gone.

"It's their first Mother's Day without her - it's awful."

The theft has been reported to Cumbria police.

Lisa Arnold, 36, from Hindpool was found dead in a flat in Anson Street, Barrow, on Tuesday July 21.

The mother-of-five left behind Michael, 8, Tianna, 10, Chloe, 12, Robbie, 16 and Bethani, 18.

After her sudden death Lisa's sisters, Donna, Amanda, and Sara raised funds online to help with funeral costs.

Amanda said: "Her children wanted us to make sure they had somewhere they could go to visit her.

"The kids are absolutely distraught. It was the first time we had all gone there together."

The news of Lisa's death caused an outpouring of support from the Furness community as people rallied around to support the family.

Within a week their Go Fund Me page received donations of more than £700 and they received two offers of help in arranging a headstone or plaque for Lisa.

Lisa's mother, Shirley and her father, Steven explained that they talk about Lisa every day to keep her memory alive.

Mr Arnold said: "We just want the plaque back for the children's sake so if anyone has seen anything please get in touch.

"You can't get much lower than this."

Mrs Arnold said: "Every day that goes by we are still grieving for our Lisa. We just want someone to tell us where it is."

Cumbria police are urging anyone with information about the theft to get in touch by ringing 101.