Ice surprise as taxi driver saves lost memorabilia

4 hours ago

Liam Barnesand

Simon Ward,East Midlands

News image — Tony Sherwood has built up a collection of memorabilia on Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean over decades

Getty Images Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean ice skating — Tony Sherwood has built up a collection of memorabilia on Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean over decades

For a veteran professional like Tony Sherwood, it was a classic showbiz nightmare.

After attending an event in Gainsborough celebrating Olympic gold medal-winning ice skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, he left a bag containing unique memorabilia at a Lincolnshire railway station.

Fortunately for the former entertainment agent, a call to the taxi firm who took him to the train saved the day, with the redoubtable driver returning to secure the precious items.

After skating on thin ice, he met with David Sanderson-Cole on Monday to offer his gratitude.

Tony Sherwood with his lost bag and taxi driver David Sanderson-Cole — The bag left by Tony Sherwood (left) was picked up by a stranger before David Sanderson-Cole arrived on the scene to retrieve it

"I was absolutely fine at the station, [but] when I got on the train I realised me and my bag were poles apart," he said.

"It's an unmanned station, so I asked the train guard if he could [help], he couldn't, so in a panic I said 'I don't know how the hell I'm going to get it back.'

"Then I remembered the Diamond cab company had taken me to the gig I was going to in the first place, and I phoned them, and I got this marvellous reception from them.

"I explained the story, he could sense the panic in my voice, and he said 'I'm on my way' - and he was."

The drama was not over there, as when Sanderson-Cole approached the station he saw someone walking with a bag that matched the description given by Sherwood.

After finding Sherwood's scripts and Torvill and Dean memorabilia inside, the stranger - who said they were going to hand the bag to railway staff in Worksop - gave the lost luggage to the taxi driver, who returned it to its rightful and relieved owner.

"Without Dave I would never have got it back," said a grateful Sherwood.

"My worry was that when somebody realised that there was nothing in that bag that was of any great worth to them then they'd destroy it, then it would be destroyed for life, it would never ever be found again.

"I owe part of my life to David - what a great bloke."

Sanderson-Cole said he was more than happy to help Sherwood save his treasured collection of items.

"It's been fabulous - I'm pleased that I got it back to him, as I do with anything that people leave in my taxi," he said.

"I'm pleased Tony's got his life's work."