THE missing gloves used by ring legend Steve Collins during a charity boxing match last month have been returned.
The gloves were due to be auctioned to raise money for east Hull toddler Phoebe Shakesby, who has cancer. But, as previously reported by the Mail, they were taken while Collins was signing autographs for fans.
Organisers feared the gloves had been stolen, although Collins suggested they may have been taken by mistake.
Former Hull professional boxer Sonny Pollard slugged it out with Collins on Saturday, May 31, raising about £3,500 for Phoebe.
Last week, the gloves were returned anonymously to the Life For A Kid charity shop.
Dean Hoggard, of the charity, which helped organise the boxing match, believes the story in the Mail helped ensure the gloves were returned.
He said: "We were told a young lad ran into the shop and then sprinted off. We wondered what he was up to and, when we went into the shop, there was a box with Collins' gloves inside.
"It seems their conscience finally got the better of them.
"We were really disappointed they were taken, but it is fantastic that they have now been returned.
"I would like to thank the Mail for carrying our appeal as we would never have got them back otherwise."
The first of the gloves is now being auctioned and bidding has already reached £275.
Mr Hoggard said: "This is just one glove we are auctioning off and we will do the same with the other glove at a later date.
"All proceeds from the sale of this glove will go directly to helping Phoebe."
The Mail reported in January how two-year-old Phoebe was battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Her parents, Mark and Kerry, were told the devastating news about Phoebe by doctors in November. They are relieved the gloves have been returned.
Mrs Shakesby said: "Every little helps and the fact that the glove has reached £275 so far is fantastic."
Email dean@lifeforakid.com if you would like to bid for the gloves. The deadline is Saturday.
