OVERJOYED Ipswich pensioner Albert Stollery is today in possession of precious photographs of his mother – thanks to The Evening Star and three of its kind-hearted readers.
OVERJOYED Ipswich pensioner Albert Stollery is today in possession of precious photographs of his mother – thanks to The Evening Star and three of its kind-hearted readers.
The 88-year-old, of Stratford Road, made a plea to the Star for help in finding a photograph of his mother, who died when he was just 18 years old.
Today, his wish has been granted after a combined effort by Joan Gibson, her 95-year-old father-in-law, Walter Gibson, and David Gobbitt, from Switzerland.
It was after seeing the Star article that Mrs Gibson, 60, of Queensland, Shotley, called her father-in-law, a cousin of Mr Stollery, to see if he had a photograph.
The same evening Mr Gibson, also of Queensland, Shotley, rooted through some old photographs and uncovered one of Albert's mother.
The Star also received an email from David Gobbitt, who acted after receiving a copy of The Evening Star from his mother, who lives near Ipswich.
Mr Gobbitt's great grandma was Mrs Stollery's sister, which enabled him to trace a photograph.
The Star has now arranged for photographs of his mother to be passed on to Albert.
For Albert, the discovery of the photographs is a dream come true, as, although he can remember his mother, he has never owned a photograph of her.
He said: "I can't thank The Evening Star enough. I will be very pleased to show my wife because she is in hospital at the moment and this will cheer her up.
"It will be wonderful to be able to see a picture of my mother because I haven't seen one for years."
Mrs Gibson said she was delighted to be able to help.
She said: "I used to look after Albert's brother, Arthur, and his wife, Julia. Julia always used to call me her adopted daughter. I've never actually met Albert but I'm so pleased we were able to help."
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