Band of hope... ring found on beach 5 years later
A COUPLE received an early Christmas miracle when they were reunited with a wedding ring they presumed had been lost forever.
Alex Francis lost the platinum band during a trip to see friends in Bournemouth five years ago.
But this week, the local council posted details of a wedding ring that had been discovered during the dismantling of a timber groyne at the town’s beach.
A day after the appeal to find the ring’s owner was launched, Alex and wife Jo, from Suffolk, were made aware on social media.
The ring was distinguished by a personal “Forever” inscription, along with a 2004 wedding date engraved on the inside.
Jo contacted the council and told officers details of the ring, confirming it belonged to her husband.
She said: “I can’t tell you how excited we are that Alex’s ring has been found.
“It has made our daughters and wider family smile so much to get this news.
“If it can make anyone else smile during these difficult times, that’s got to be a good thing.
“We’ve been married 16 years and planned to wear our matching rings for ever.
“We were gutted to lose one and are quite emotional now Alex will be able to wear his again.”
The council’s appeal was viewed by more than 53,500 people, with more than 1,000 likes and shares.
Julian Wyatt, of Suttle
Projects, which is carrying out the groyne work, spotted the ring.
He said: “It’s a happy ending, albeit five years in the waiting.
“I think everyone, especially my daughters, are over the moon that the ring has found its way back to the rightful owner.
“The odds were against it definitely, so the outcome is even more pleasing.”