Desperately seeking Pat Smith: Cancer survivor on the lookout for old friend

Joan Bunce is trying to track down a lady called Pat Smith, who lived a couple of doors down and went to school with her.

But after they finished their studies at school in Dudley, they went their separate way and never saw each other again.

Last year, Mrs Bunce, aged 79, from Foster Avenue, Coseley, underwent a 14-hour head and neck operation after getting a cancerous growth on her tongue, and was only given a 20 per cent chance of living.

She feared that she would never see her old pal again, but now wants to make the most of her second chance and find Pat.

Her son Del Bunce said: "My mum lived at 120 Laurel Road, Dudley, and Pat lived a couple of doors down, she can't remember the number though.

"She keeps saying 'I'd love to see Pat again', I've asked around but nobody seems to know where she is.

"I think the family are still in Dudley, I think Pat had a sister that lived at Laurel Road but she might have moved away."

He added: "In July last year, she had to go into hospital for major head and neck surgery and we were told she only had a 20 percent chance of coming through the operation, which lasted almost 14 hours. Thankfully she made it."

The Express & Star helped reunite Mr Bunce's father Derek with an old work colleague, Nigel Bennett, in time for his 80th birthday. This time he has done as much detective work as he can to no avail.

He said: "My mum's family was name Lewis, and my mum is known as Joan or Joanie. Mum is now 79 and Pat would be the same age, roughly.

"Mum would love to hear any news of Pat or any of her family."

"If anyone can shed any light on this matter or if Pat could get in touch, Mum would love to get in touch for old times sake.

Mr Bunce says that Pat's father was a baker by trade, she had two brothers and two sisters, called Marleen and Jeanette.

If Pat or anyone who knows her and might be able to help reads this, they can contact Mr Bunce on 07778 453686.