FIRST of all, once again let me thank everyone who helped me look for Marley, and to the St Helens Star who have helped me every step of the way - to Corin and Donna, a special thank-you.

Marley had been missing for five weeks and after trying everything possible to find him I had no luck and was beginning to give up hope. Then on Thursday, November 4, my son and I had gone to bed and we heard a knock on the door, so I got up and opened the upstairs window to see who was there.

There was a young lady at the door who said: "I don't want to get your hopes up, but I think my friend has your cat in the car."

They had read my earlier letter in the Star and had spotted Marley while walking to their car after college, so they called to him and he went over to them.

They then spent an hour trying to find my house, but didn't give up. When I got to their car I couldn't believe it was Marley. He was a little slimmer but seemed otherwise fine after his ordeal.

I was so overcome with emotion and relief that I hugged one of the young ladies. It was only later that I remembered (to my shame) that I hadn't taken their telephone number, or even asked them to come in. So if either of you are reading this, please call me on 01744 609602 so I can thank you properly for what you did for Marley who is very special.

To me you are both very special as well and I really look forward to hearing from you. Thanks also to everyone who showed concern. Marley is doing well and has not stopped purring.

Suzanne Smith, Lanark Close, The Shires, St Helens.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.