A former Ipswich businessman who lost a £2,000 Cartier watch has said an honest stranger who found it and handed it in has restored his faith in human nature.
Bob Shelley, who lives off Hadleigh Road, would now like to meet the person who found the wristwatch in the car park at M&S in Martlesham.
The 75-year-old went to the store with his partner Lesley, but realised he was not wearing the timepiece after getting back into their car.
Mr Shelley said: “We came back out of M&S and off we went.
“On the way back to Ipswich I was saying ‘I haven’t got my watch on. I must have left it at home’.”
However, when he returned to his house he could not find it.
Lesley called M&S and a member of staff said the watch had been handed in, but did not know who by.
Mr Shelley said: “Even sitting here now I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe I got it back.
“I didn’t expect to get it back.
“They said ‘we have got it here – can you describe it?’ I couldn’t believe it.
“It was unmarked, unblemished. Somebody was looking after me that day.
“It was apparently found in the car park.
“I was absolutely gobsmacked that somebody took the trouble to pick it up and give it in. I’m just delighted.
“I don’t know who took it in. It’s just restored my faith in people.
“It would be lovely to meet the person and say thank you for their kindness.
“I don’t know who they were and I don’t think Marks and Spencer did.”
Mr Shelley has lost weight after heart surgery and believed the Cartier watch must have slipped off his wrist without him realising.
He has had the timepiece for around 30 years and, as well as its financial worth, it is also of great sentimental value.
In addition to being an ex-businessman, Mr Shelley was also a former broadcaster for BBC Radio Suffolk and is well-known in local sporting circles.
Mr Shelley would now like to hear from the person who found the watch.
If you were the person who handed the Cartier Watch in on Wednesday, February 22, telephone our newsdesk on Ipswich 324791 and we will pass your details on to Mr Shelley.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here