A Derry woman was reunited with an irreplaceable family wedding ring two months after she lost it at a Co Donegal beach.
Caroline Campbell, who is from the Galliagh area, said she lost the precious jewellery after swimming at Ludden beach near Buncrana, Co Donegal on July 12.
Taking part in the Waves for Mental Health initiative, members of the group participated in a long search for the ring along with Caroline with no success.
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Speaking of her joy to MyDerry , Caroline explained: "My daddy died of cancer eight years ago and my mammy gave me the ring four years ago.
"It's something I hold very close to my heart and I was devastated when I lost it. Members of the group frantically helped me search for the ring at the time, but I didn't want to put anyone in danger on a beach so I just put on a brave face and told them that it was fine and that it was only a ring.
"But it wasn't only a ring to me, it was my daddy's ring and he was such a big part of our lives. He was such a character in life and things haven't been the same without him. My heart was so sore and I was devastated.
"When he was diagnosed we only got 12 weeks and so it was a very quick process. It was a very tough loss for us all and having the ring means that a part of him will always be with me and that's why it's special."
The Derry woman said that she had to "come to terms" with the reality that she would never find the ring again, having been without it for nearly eight weeks.
However, after Caroline's friend and fellow member of Waves Mental Health, Charlie Smith came across local detectorist Kieran Hegarty using a metal detector at Culmore beach, she asked for his help.
Explaining Caroline's situation, Kieran travelled to the Donegal beach with his equipment and searched over two days, eventually finding the ring after a six-hour search on day two.
"I couldn't believe it," Caroline continued. "I had so much joy when I was told that the ring had been found. Charlie tried to call me and I missed her call but when she sent me a photograph of the ring in Kieran's hand I knew straight away what it was."
She added: "I think Kieran thought I was a bit mad because as soon as I saw him I gave him a big hug. I was crying and I couldn't speak at all. It was so emotional and I brought my mammy along with me.
"Kieran spoke to me and everything when I went down but I don't remember a thing that he said because I was so overcome from the emotion.
"I'm just so delighted to have it back and it won't be getting out of my sight ever again."
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