Disabled detectorist Finley ‘buzzing’ after special find in Yorkshire field

A young metal detectorist from America was ‘buzzing’ with excitement after his dream of finding an old coin in Yorkshire came true.

Nine-year-old Finley Gregg flew in from Colorado with his mum and auntie to realise his dream of detecting on land where he might find something really old.

History-loving Finley, who has spina bifida, went on two digs over the weekend, one near Doncaster and a second in Nidderdale, near Harrogate, thanks to Sheffield-based group UK Metal Detecting Days whose members supported him as he searched land with his Minelab Vanquish 340 machine.

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Finley was overjoyed to find a George III halfpenny while detecting with group member Darren Sutton on land at Nidderdale. Generous detectorists gave Finley a pile of finds, old and new, to add to his growing collection.

And he turned out to be something of a lucky charm for the group as one member unearthed a hoard of ten hammered coins in North Yorkshire, one of the group’s best finds.

Finley, who is an avid coin collector, was super excited when he pulled up the old George III coin dating from the late 1700s. He told Yorkshire Live he had really enjoyed “hanging out with detectorists” and had dug plenty of trash, as well as some cool coins and relics.

Darren, one of the group’s marshalls, said: “My best bit was seeing his face when he found his coin. It was a picture. He was buzzing and I was too.”

Finley’s mum, Megan, said they had enjoyed an ‘amazing’ weekend detecting in Yorkshire and thanked Deb and Stephen Law who run UK Metal Detecting Days.

“They worked tirelessly to make these digs happen,” said Megan. “We expected to have fun but never expected to make good friends.

“We felt so incredibly welcomed by everyone. It was so great to have chats and share finds.”

She added: “We definitely plan on coming back.”

Deb, who is based in Ecclesfield, Sheffield, said it had been a pleasure to host Finley’s visit and help his dream come true.

She appealed to landowners and farmers to consider providing the group with land to search in return for the group supporting their chosen charity or good cause. She said the group was all about providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of their ability, age, or what kit they have, as well as raising money for good causes.

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