Family reunited with Second World War medals after hospice's appeal
A family have been reunited with Second World Medals awarded to a serviceman who fought on the frontline which were donated to a hospice.
Staff at John Taylor Hospice made the discovery at their Castle Bromwich store in August after a man dropped off a bag with them inside.
Coronavirus rules meant the workers had to wait before they could make the discovery, with the man who donated it not leaving his details.
It prompted the hospice, unsure of whether they had been donated by accident, to appeal for the donor to come forward to reunite the items.
Two cousins came forward to claim the medals – the Italy Star and the Africa Star – which had been awarded to Jim Hoverd who served in Europe and North Africa.
It is believed Jim's only son had recently died in a care home and the staff had donated his property to the Timberley Lane store.
Barrie Hoverd, from Selly Oak, and Nick Hoverd, from Marston Green, have now visited the shop to receive the medals.
Barrie, aged 71, said: "My dad Doug and Jim were inseparable. They were both in the RAF and Dad served in Egypt while Uncle Jim was in Palestine and Libya.
"Having these medals really means a lot to us. We are hoping we can put them back onto a medal bar and then pass them round the family.
"We are so grateful to John Taylor Hospice charity shop for putting out this appeal and making so much effort to find the owner."
Nick, aged 55, added: "Having these medals puts a sense of pride in them back in the family."
Shop manager Rachael Quinney added: "We are so pleased to reunite the Hoverd family with the medals which belonged to their Uncle Jim.
"We would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeal and helped us ensure they were returned to their rightful home."
