Online bachelor auctions himself

6:15am Wednesday 18th April 2007

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A bachelor who auctioned his hand in marriage on eBay only did it to win back the one true love of his life - an ex-girlfriend from Croydon who captured his heart five years ago.

Mark Broughton, from Oxford, took the drastic step of literally putting himself on the online market at the end of January in the hope of tracking down the girl, Natalie.

"I have been out with a few girls over the years but she was the one that stands out above all the others."

Love-struck Mark Broughton

However, the auction ended in heartbreak for 37-year-old Mark after a hoaxer won the bid for his hand in marriage for just £17.

The former parking attendant has contacted the Croydon Guardian in a last-ditch attempt to find Natalie, who was working as a hospital receptionist the last time he saw her.

He said: "Me and Natalie met over the internet seven years ago and I would travel down to see her at weekends. It ended because I couldn't commit in the way we both wanted and move down to Croydon because I had so much going on up here.

"But I regret that decision every day and I would do anything to be with her now."

The pair lost touch after they spilt and Mark believes that even if she wanted to get in touch, she couldn't. He has even posted an advert on community networking site Gumtree.

He is reluctant to give Natalie's surname as he is afraid of embarrasing her but urged her to get in contact with him if she is interested in meeting up.

The couple were together for two years and Mark says she stands out as his one true love.

He said: "She was so much fun, I have been out with a few girls over the years but she was the one that stands out above all the others. I just cannot imagine a more perfect girl for me and I would commit to her like a shot now if she gave me the chance."

And although Mark will be disappointed if Natalie is now in a relationship, he says that as long as she is happy he will get on with his life.

Mark made a final plea to Natalie, her family and friends: "If you have a friend in Croydon called Natalie around that time, ask her if she remembers a guy called Mark she met over the internet as I would really love her to get in touch."

If you know Natalie or you are Natalie then give the newsdesk a call on 020 8330 9557 or email newsdesk@croydonguardian.co.uk.

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