I came across £200 in £20 notes blowing around in South London about seven years ago.
I decided to hand it in to the police because I couldn’t shake the thought that it might belong to someone in a tough situation—a pensioner, perhaps, who had just withdrawn money to pay their rent or cover urgent expenses.
Eventually, the money went unclaimed, and I was able to retrieve it from the police station.
However, I still can’t help but worry about the person who lost it and how they managed after losing that £200.
Sure, it could have been someone careless, but I can’t help but think it’s more likely that it was someone who truly needed that money.
It’s really commendable that you took the time to hand in the money, showing a lot of integrity and compassion. It’s understandable to worry about the potential owner, especially if you think they might have been in a tough situation. Losing that amount of money could have been a big blow to someone who was relying on it.
At the same time, it’s also possible that it was just a mistake or an oversight on someone’s part, and they might not have been in such dire straits. Regardless of the circumstances, your decision to return the money reflects your values, and that’s something to be proud of.
If it makes you feel any better, you did what you felt was right. You might not have been able to help the original owner, but you’ve made a positive contribution in your own way. Hopefully, that money has brought you some good fortune since then!