'Theft left me so sad' (From Barry And District News)

'Theft left me so sad'

A BARRY grandmother has been left 'heartbroken' after thieves snatched her dead grandson's rug off her washing line.

Pensioner Sheila Lovell, of Barrians Way, says she is devastated by the incident especially since Lewis's death was particularly tragic. He committed suicide eight years ago at the tender age of13.

The 64 year-old mother of four told the News: "The rug is a decade old, and has no monetary value.

"But to me it's priceless. Lewis was so young when he took his own life, but the years we had with him were rich and full. That rug carries a host of beautiful memories."

One day last week Mrs Lovell washed the rug and put it on the line before going shopping.

When she came home it was gone.

She said: "As I got off the bus, I noticed it wasn't there, and my heart sank. I knew it was gone for good."

Although Mrs Lovell did not want to get the police involved over something as simple as a rug, she is devastated by the loss.

"It's already looking a bit tatty. If someone sold it, or had it for their house, I know it will be thrown out soon," she said.

"But it would have stayed with me until the end of my days. I know it's stupid, but I feel as though I've let Lewis down."

Choking back tears, Mrs Lovell said the whole family had suffered following the shock of Lewis's death.

His older brother Christian found him, and Mrs Lovell says he has never fully recovered.

She said: "No reason for him taking his own life could be found, which made it worse.

"An inquest recorded a verdict of death by misadventure," she said.

The grandmother of seven added: "Lewis was very impressionable. He loved his grandfather Ray. When Ray died, it was difficult explaining to Lewis he couldn't go to Heaven for a visit. But he was six then, and he did grow out of it.

"Lewis was such a happy young boy.

"Everyone, even his school friends, used to call him 'Sunshine', because he had the biggest smile.

"It's been nearly eight years since he died, but I still love and miss him deeply."

Mrs Lovell added: "When you lose someone, you hold on to the smallest thing to remind you of them.

"I'd willingly swap anything on my line to have my rug back. How can some people sleep at night? But they should remember, you reap what you sow."

n The rug is about 5ft by 6ft, cream with a self patterned edge and a machine washable backing. It was from Habitat.

If you know of anyone who came by a rug like this last week, contact Jessica Hinton at the Barry and District News, 156, Holton Road, CF63 4TY.