A TEENAGER was left shocked after buying a soft toy from a charity shop and then found human ashes inside.
Millie Rowland spent £5 on the Make-your-own Tatty Teddy.
But when she was assembling the bear a small bag fell out.
The 18-year-old was shocked to find it contained cremated remains.
There was also a list of dates inside and she posted an appeal on social media to find out who the family of the deceased person was.
She said she bought the bear from the Pilgrims Hospices charity shop, in Margate, Kent.
“When I found the remains I carried on putting the bear together out of respect,” said Millie, of Ashford.
“There was a calendar in the packaging which helped.”
Millie posted on Facebook: “I have found someone’s ashes in a bear in Margate.
“We are trying to locate the family.
“I have sown [sic] up the bear out of respect since it was never finished and the ashes were left in there.
“Please help me locate the family.”
Amazingly she got messages from the late woman’s loved ones within a day and she was able to return the ashes to them on Friday (Feb 27).
Millie added: “The whole thing seems bizarre.
“But I’m so pleased the ashes are back with the family.”
The deceased woman’s daughter Ade Cahill praised Millie for what she did.
She said: ”Thank you so so much.
“Mum is back home where she belongs.
“Really appreciate your kind support in getting her home.”
Pilgrims Hospices has been approached for comment.
