A good samaritan has replaced a Barkingside woman’s pension money after it was cruelly stolen.

When Brenda Johnson, 46, read about Elizabeth Russo’s ordeal on the Recorder website, she knew she had to help.

She said: “I was disgusted to read about poor Mrs Russo being targeted by thieves.

“I’m really upset. I usually only donate to animal charities but the story affected me so deeply.

“I hope it will restore her faith in people.”

Mrs Russo had just withdrawn her £145 weekly pension from Barkingside post office, in High Street, when it disappeared from her handbag, earlier this month.

Staff told her thieves were targeting pensioners using the branch.

The 82-year-old said she was “devastated” by the crime, which followed a burglary at her home last year and two more thefts.

She was flabbergasted by Mrs Johnson’s surprise offer.

Mrs Russo said: “It’s lovely but it’s such a shock, I don’t know what to say.”

Mrs Johnson, of Barkingside, met Mrs Russo last week.