The John Taylor Hospice shop in Castle Bromwich took delivery of some bags of donated goods and discovered the medals inside – now they want to be sure they weren’t in the bag without the donor realising.
The medals, which include the World War Two Defence Medal, the Africa Star and the Italy Star, were brought into the hospice shop in Timberley Lane on Saturday 8 August by a man – but he didn’t mention that the bags of donations included medals.
Shop manager Rachael Quinney explained: “We were quite busy when the gentleman brought in his donation and he didn’t leave any details. We have to leave all bags sealed for 48 hours because of coronavirus so could not check immediately – then when we opened the bags we discovered these medals.
“If the gentleman intended to donate them we are grateful and will happily sell them to raise money for our work caring for people with a terminal illness. However we want to check as they could be a precious heirloom which he didn’t realise were in the bag.
“We would hate to think that a few weeks or months in the future a family is hunting for these medals not realising they were given to us.”
Within the bag there was also an exercise book which carries the name Hoverd and the team is hoping that anyone who might know the family could ask them to contact the hospice shop.
“We waited a week before making this appeal in case the donor returned but are now hoping someone can help us so we can ensure these medals were an intended donation,” added Rachael . “We would love to hear from the gentleman who brought in the donation or another close family member so we can check and either return the medals or thank them.”
If anyone can help, please contact Rachael during shop hours Mon-Fri 10am-4pm on 0121 728 6763 or outside of these hours please call the hospice Brand and Media Team on 07551 125358.
John Taylor Hospice has four charity shops in Castle Bromwich, Erdington, Wylde Green and Brownhills. Donations help ensure the hospice can provide care for hundreds of local families and the shop is always keen to hear from people interested in volunteering. For more information on the shops click here.