Cinderella’s Slipper!

Donna’s stiletto gave her a second chance at a fairy tale romance

At school, the days seemed to last forever. Age 13, I’d stare at the clock waiting for lunchtime to come. See, I got to spend the lunch hour with my boyfriend, Phil Wiggin, then 15, in May 1982.

He was warm-hearted, with a gorgeous smile and a stylish Afro.

A month earlier at school…

‘Go out with me?’ he’d asked, sheepishly.

He was my first boyfriend, and my heart fluttered at each stolen kiss we shared at Adams Hill School.

We had no money for expensive dates, but we’d walk hand-in-hand through the park after school.

Soon, though, Phil had to revise for his O Levels.

‘I never see you!’ I moaned, petulantly.

Slowly, we drifted apart. Phil left school the following summer, and we lost touch.

Leaving school, I worked in a call centre.

My love life moved on. I’d had several long-term relationships but never had kids.

Turning 44, in June 2013, I was convinced I’d never find Mr Right.

Still, single and happy-go-lucky, I focused on my friends.

Then, in July 2013, I was clearing out my wardrobe when my cousin recommended Cash In Clothes – a shop that paid for your old stitches.

That week, I trundled 13 bags of stuff down to the unit, in Oldbury. I dropped off the bags, got £7.

But, when I got back home, I spotted a solo leopard-print shoe lying abandoned. I’d only handed one in! Fate... Two days on, I returned to the shop, clutching my stiletto. And when I did... ‘Phil?’ I said, stunned. I couldn’t believe it. My first love was behind the till!

Recognising me, the same sweet smile spread across his face. ‘You haven’t changed!’ I said. ‘I had a bit more hair back then!’ he laughed.

His shining eyes and warm personality remained.

Suddenly, Phil had the exact same sheepish grin he’d had 30 years earlier.

‘Can I get your phone

Phil had the exact same grin he’d had 30 years earlier