Thief in the night
A GRANDMOTHER had her precious heirloom rings stolen from her finger while she was asleep in a hospital bed waiting for surgery.
Anne Mainwood, 84, yesterday told The Cairns Post a midnight thief took the two diamond rings from her left-hand ring finger as she slept in her bed at Cairns Base Hospital where she was being treated for an infected foot.
One of the rings was her mother's engagement ring and the other was made up from the diamonds and gold that was her grandmother's brooch.
“I always said I've got my husband, mother and grandmother with me wherever I go,” Mrs Mainwood said.
"But now my mother and grandmother are gone."
In a double blow, she learned yesterday that her right foot would be removed on Monday.
"I have had the rings on my finger for 50 years," Mrs Mainwood said.
"The sentimental value to the family is huge.
"They might be worth money to whoever took them but to me they are years of family love and care.
"The only thing I have to be happy about is that I still have my wedding ring.
"Both rings were yellow gold bands with platinum settings, one featuring four 'old cut' diamonds and the other a single gem."
The last time the rings were valued more than 10 years ago, they were worth at least $5000.
When they disappeared last Saturday night, Mrs Mainwood's family searched the hospital ward without finding any trace of the jewellery. Hospital staff also helped with the search.
The family has since lodged a report with police.
"I sleep like a log and they are checking me and jabbing me all night so I don't wake up any more," Mrs Mainwood said.
"I never take them off - my family has never seen me without those rings on my finger."
A Cairns Base Hospital spokesman confirmed the hospital was working with police to investigate the matter.
He urged people to leave their valuables at home.
"The hospital cannot accept responsibility for people's valuables unless they are handed in for safe keeping," he said.
"Patients are advised not to bring jewellery or large amounts of money and if they do bring such items, we ask them to talk to staff about arranging safe keeping."
8 Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of the rings should contact Cairns Police on 4030 7000.
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Devastated: Anne Mainwood, 84, had two precious heirloom rings stolen from her finger while she slept at Cairns Base Hospital. She is waiting for surgery to have her foot removed.
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