Seth Goddard (13) with Burt Sellin (91).
Camera IconSeth Goddard (13) with Burt Sellin (91). Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Rockingham senior thankful for teen’s act of honesty in returning lost wallet

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

AN INSTINCTIVE act of honesty has saved an elderly man hundreds of dollars and shown integrity exists among our youth.

Having just had a day out at Adventure World, Seth Goddard’s mum stopped at a Northlake Service Station for petrol and he rushed to use the amenities.

Walking into the men’s toilet, he noticed something on the ground.

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“I thought ‘this is someone’s wallet’. I surprised to see it where it was,” he said.

The 13-year-old raced out to tell his mum, Elke Goddard.

“As soon as he went in he immediately came back out saying he had found the wallet. There was quite a bit of cash hanging out; we took it up to the cashier who looked inside,” she said.

“He knew whose it was and would contact its owner. We left our details too.

“An hour and a half later I received a phone call from an elderly man called Burt; he was ever so grateful and commended how honest Seth was.

“Then his daughter rang me a while later saying her dad was 91 and he wanted to send Seth something for being honest; we have arranged to meet Burt at his home in Rockingham.”

Mrs Goddard said they did not have enough words to commend her son.

“My husband and I just kept saying ‘you’ve done such a good thing. We are so proud of you’,” she said.

“When we found out Burt was 91 Seth said ‘Oh my god mum! I’m so glad I found it’.”

She took her son to meet with Burt Sellin on Saturday .

A surprise was waiting for Seth from Mr Sellin who shook his hand while telling him, “I don’t know how I’m ever going to thank you; there were a lot of things in that wallet”.

“You don’t look the type that would pinch it either. Good on ya son,” Mr Sellin said.

He then handed the teen a card with some money and words of appreciation in it.

Seth Goddard had saved Mr Sellin almost $600 by returning his wallet.