Mum, Emma Watty, was visiting Pambula with her husband and eldest daughter and on Thursday, January 30 was delighted to discover the deserted beach at Barmouth near Haycock Point in the Ben Boyd National Park.

On their return though they discovered the car had been broken into and a number of items taken including a handbag, wallet and iPad.

Mrs Watty said: “However these things were not a concern to us. Nearly five months ago our second daughter died unexpectedly in her sleep at 15 months. In the bags that were stolen were the journals that my husband and I had been recording our thoughts and stories in, our Medicare card which had her name on, her Melbourne Zoo membership that had her name on it. These are the things that have upset us.”

Despite this terrible heartache, Mrs Watty said that the family had compassion for the person who stole their treasured memories and hoped that they had just thrown out the items as having no value.

The compassionate response from Mrs Watty provoked Leanne Wilkinson, of Merimbula to write into the News Weekly. She said: “I am so distressed after reading the open letter from such a beautiful caring person. This family has been riddled by grief losing a child, then to have those beautiful moments and memories taken by a heartless thief.”

Ms Wilkinson urged the thieves: “Have a heart, have a soul and if you have these return them to their rightful owners you have no use for them, they are private memories.”

Mrs Watty asked that if anyone discovered the journal they take it to the Eden Police, who Mrs Watty said had been fantastic.

The items can also be returned via the News Weekly at the office 1-3, Monaro Street, Merimbula.

Even though the Watty’s holiday was scarred by this terrible loss, Mrs Watty said that they would be back. “This incident has not dampened our view on the beautiful area and its people.”