'I love you dad' keepsake put on cenotaph after being found in Poppy Appeal box

A mysterious tribute that was placed in a Poppy Appeal donation box has been placed on a cross at the cenotaph in Scunthorpe to honour the memory of an unknown father.

Dr Malcolm Roberts, a 72-year-old Armed Forces veteran said a little brass-coloured heart found its way into a donation box when collectors were raising money for then Poppy Appeal. Because the trinket wasn't money, it was rejected by the coin-counting machine but Malcolm realised its significance and vowed to keep hold of it until Remembrance Day.

Malcom, who was based in Kirton in Lindsey with 22 Air Defence Regiment and has served in The Falklands, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland, said: "Last year, during the count of donations collected across the Scunthorpe area, I came across a small brass heart tucked into one of the collection boxes. Inscribed with the simple but powerful words, 'I Love You Dad'.

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"It appeared to be a sentimental keepsake from someone honouring their loved one. Since it was found after Armistice Day, I carefully stored the heart, waiting for the right moment to honour it.

"This November 11th, I attached the brass heart to a Royal British Legion wooden cross and placed it respectfully at the cenotaph in Scunthorpe during the Armistice Day ceremony.

"I shared a photo of the tribute on Facebook, hoping to connect with the original owner or someone who may recognise its significance. It would mean a lot to reunite this keepsake with its owner or their family, letting them know it was honoured in this way."

This year, the Poppy Appeal in Scunthorpe had a turnout of 3,600 people and there was a parade of 400 Armed Forces personnel led by Warrant Officer Class 1 Jon Jones. Last year, nearly £60,000 was raised and the total for this year is still being counted.

Malcom said the story of the brass heart stands as a reminder of the memories and personal connections the Poppy Appeal helps preserve. It offers a chance for the community to reflect on the ways they support veterans and their families.