MARGARET Asquith put her suitcase on the doorstep while she waited for the taxi to take her on holiday.
But her case disappeared in the back of a charity collection van.
The theft took place just moments before the taxi arrived to transport the 70-year-widow and her 86-year-old friend to Barnsley to join the coach-tour holiday for the Monday-to-Friday break at Blackpool.
It was only after persuasion from the taxi-driver and her friend that Margaret set off - without luggage - in the hope that the charity collection firm would realise its mistake and return their suitcases. That didn't happen.
The police can't help and the insurance company will not pay out because the cases were outside her Newland Road home.
Mrs Asquith estimates the theft cost her in excess of £250 for suitcase, clothing and camera not to mention the cost of restocking her wardrobe at Blackpool and Fleetwood.
She said: "I just hope that our misfortune will be a warning to others."
