Family heartbreak as jewellery is lost during hospital stay

A FAMILY has been left heartbroken after a grandmother's precious jewellery vanished while she underwent surgery at Derriford Hospital.

- BRITTA ZELTMANN

> Margaret and Alan Millson pictured together on their wedding day

Margaret Millson, 84, was rushed to the Plymouth hospital from her home in Cornwall last month after suffering a fall. It resulted in her dislocating her replacement hip and she was left needing surgery.

But when she went to leave the hospital, the retired Reverend, who suffers from dementia, was no longer wearing her wedding ring, engagement ring or golden cross she was given when she was ordained.

Her family, who live near Liskeard, have since faced an exhausting and unsuccessful battle to get the items back - and say they are “appalled” that there are not better measures in place to prevent incidents like this from happening.

“It’s been devastating,” said Margaret’s 86-year-old husband, Alan. “I put that ring on Margaret's finger in 1962. It’s 63 years we've been married. We've contacted the ward sister, the matron, and our daughter's written to the MP. It’s all, you know, nothing. ‘Sorry, we can’t find it.’

“To be honest, I’m quite angry. Both of us are very, very upset. Those rings, the gold cross and chain, it meant a lot.”