Rotherham United fan reunited with precious RUFC walking stick ‘better than a lotto win’

Paul Miree appealed for help tracing the distinctive prized possession, which was a 50th birthday present from son Kevin.

Paul (68) believed he had left it at a shopping precinct in Rawmarsh — but it turned up in a medical centre car park.

The custom-made stick bears the Rotherham United crest and regularly supports Paul when he’s supporting the team.

It had been discovered outside RDaSH’s Swallownest Court — where Paul had visited someone months before — and handed in.

When the Advertiser contacted Paul to inform him the stick had been found, he said: “I’m nearly crying. It’s better than winning the lottery. I’m overwhelmed.

“The stick means so much to me. It was a present from my son and it’s got so many memories.

“I can’t thank the Advertiser and Swallownest Court enough.”

Paul, of Upper Haugh, went along to collect the stick, which had been recognised by receptionist Collette Link after she read our initial article.

Paul handed over a £50 donation as a thank you, which staff said would be used for treats for patients staying at the mental health centre. After having his photo taken by the Tiser, Paul added: “It was great to get the stick back in my hands. It was like giving me a million pounds.

“I thanked the staff very much and gave them a big hug.”

An RDaSH spokesperson said: “We will use the funds towards patient comforts and activities during their stay with us.”

Now Paul is looking forward to taking the Millers memento back to matches at New York Stadium next season.

And while he can’t guarantee it brings the team luck, he knows he is lucky to have the stick back.

“I’ll not be letting it out of my sight again,” he said.