'Please return my life to me'

A prominent Dunedin surgeon is appealing to a "scumbag" to return his laptop containing medical research - but more importantly, a speech for his daughter's wedding later this week.

Orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Swan said he had taken his Apple Mac G4 Power Book and a tool box out to his car, when he realised he had left his car keys inside his Warrington holiday home.

He placed the items beside the car and returned to the house to find his keys. When he arrived back at the car about two minutes later, the laptop and tool box were gone.

"My whole life is on that computer - medical research, a few thousand family photos and music.

But most importantly, it had my wedding speech on it. "I was in the process of putting the finishing touches on the speech. I'm desperate to get it back."

Mr Swan offered a $500 reward for the return of the undamaged laptop, and suggested it could be left at the reception of Mercy Hospital.

"No questions will be asked," he said.

"If a scumbag wanted to get rid of it on the black market, $500 might persuade them to give it back. It's got to be worth their while.

"Please return my life to me."