Mr Cole, 55, a single father of five, was devastated when he returned home to find thieves had taken all the money he has to survive on this month, along with medication from his kitchen.

The builder, who has had to give up work because of his stomach cancer but helps with the Prince's Trust charity, says he feels 'kicked in the teeth' by the thieves.

He had gone to Kettering General Hospital for a hospital appointment on Tuesday but while he was out thieves got into his house in Portland Road, Rushden, and stole his £254 benefits.

He said: "The thieves have destroyed me this month. They have taken £254, which is all my benefits for the rest of May.

"I wasn't very well anyway when I found out and this really depressed me.

"I'm gutted that I give my time up to help society and I've been kicked in the teeth by someone in this town. I hope they are happy with themselves.

"I want them to know I'm a cancer patient and a single parent and would like to see if they will return the money."

Mr Cole lives with his children, aged between 10 and 19, and is awaiting a date for a 10-hour operation to treat his cancer.

He said: "Someone must know who has done this and I would urge them to contact the police."

Police have confirmed they are investigating the burglary, which happened between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Anyone with information can call 08453 700700.