Heartbroken widow appeals for return of husband's ashes after callous theft

A widow has made a heartfelt appeal for the return of her husband’s ashes after callous thieves stole them from her garden.

Margaret Ramsden, 77, contacted the police after discovering that the sundial containing her late husband’s ashes had been stolen from her garden in Castleton, where the family had laid him to rest.

Now, Margaret and her daughters are pleading with the public to help ensure the safe return of the sundial, or at the very least, her husband’s ashes, which hold immense sentimental value.

 

 

The theft took place on 1 October on Vicarage Road North, and the family believes the stolen item could still be in the local area.

Margaret emphasised the importance of getting her husband's ashes back. she said: “It meant everything to me to have him near.

"His ashes had been there for 23 years, and now I feel like I’ve let him down. I just want him back with me where he belongs. I’m beyond heartbroken.”

Her daughter, Helen Bergin, shared her own grief with Rochdale Online, saying she feels as though she’s “lost her dad all over again.”

She added: “It’s shameful that someone could take something so precious for scrap value, not realising how priceless it was to us.”

Helen also thanked those who had shared her post on social media and sent kind messages of support. She urged local scrap metal yards to be vigilant, in case the sundial is offered for sale, stressing, “We just want his ashes back.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed that officers were called to the property at 12.35pm on 1 October, and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.