When a rare vintage doll was sold for £310 to a buyer in Italy, it should have been a straightforward success for an Oxfordshire hospice charity. Instead, the collectible embarked on an unexpected transatlantic adventure, testing the determination of the dedicated staff member who refused to let the vital donation get lost in the post.
The Valuable Sale and the Initial Disappearance
Jay Boydon, the online trading manager for the Sobell House Hospice Charity based in Oxfordshire, was delighted when a donated vintage My Girl Doll with red hair attracted international attention. The collectible, popular in the 1980s, was carefully packaged by Jay herself and sold to an enthusiastic buyer in Italy for £310, a significant sum for the hospice's funds.
Jay personally dispatched the parcel, expecting it to arrive in Italy within a week. The buyer, who collected vintage dolls, was thrilled with the purchase. However, after two weeks passed with no delivery, Jay began to investigate. To her astonishment, the tracking information revealed the doll was not in Europe but had landed in Washington, USA—a staggering 4,490 miles from its intended destination.
A Determined Pursuit Across the Atlantic
Faced with the potential loss of the sale and the essential income it represented, Jay sprang into action. She began contacting the United States Postal Service (USPS) to rectify the error. After several attempts, she successfully reached someone who agreed to return the package to the UK.
Relieved, Jay thought the issue was resolved. Yet, weeks went by, and the doll failed to reappear at the Sobell House Bicester Superstore. Launching a second tracking mission, Jay was shocked to discover the parcel had now moved to West Virginia. With hope fading and considering a refund, Jay made one last determined effort to contact USPS officials, who again promised to send the doll back.
A Happy Ending and a Special Tribute
Just as hope was nearly lost, the Italian buyer suddenly received an email notification. The doll, after a month held in customs, had finally arrived in Italy. The overjoyed buyer was so delighted with Jay Boydon's relentless efforts that she named the vintage doll "Sybelle Jay" in the hospice worker's honour.
Jay expressed her amazement at the tribute, stating it was one of those special moments that makes her job so rewarding. She emphasised that every item sold provides crucial support for the hospice's care services, and she will always strive to see a sale through, no matter the logistical challenges.
This extraordinary journey from Oxfordshire to Italy, via Washington and West Virginia, highlights the profound dedication behind every online charity sale. For the staff at Sobell House, each transaction is more than just business; it is a lifeline funding essential care for people in their community.
