Doris asks for help in search for ring

A WIDOW who has overcome breast cancer and a stroke today appealed for help in finding her wedding ring after she lost it while out in Ipswich.

Doris Barber is devastated over the loss of the gold band, which is a cherished link to her husband Bryan who died in 2002.

Mrs Barber, 69, lost the ring, as well as an engagement ring and the chain she wore them on around her neck, while at Mecca bingo in Lloyd's Avenue.

The chain has since been handed in to the bingo hall and the engagement ring was handed in at Ipswich police station after a member of the public found it in Lloyd's Avenue.

While grateful for their return, Mrs Barber, who lives in Montgomery Road in the Maidenhall area of Ipswich, is inconsolable about the loss of her wedding band.

She said: “It has really turned me upside down. It has been a blow.

“I didn't realise I had lost them until I was getting ready for bed that night. I went to take the chain off and it wasn't there.

“The police said the engagement ring was found at the top of Lloyd's Avenue. They said the wedding ring can't have been lost very far from there.”

Mrs Barber wore the rings on the chain around her neck because she can't wear them on her fingers anymore due to ill health.

The loss is the latest blow in a tough period for the pensioner following the death of her husband. In 2003 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and she has since suffered a stroke.

Mrs Barber is so worried about the lost ring she has toured the town's jewellers in case it has been found and sold.

“Another ring just wouldn't take its place,” she said.

The ring was lost on November 28. It is engraved on the inside with the words Doris & Bryan 27/04/63.

Mrs Barber's daughter Aileen Davison said: “Finding the ring would be the best Christmas present possible.”

If you have found the ring contact Grant Sherlock at The Evening Star on 01473 324799.