I set up my lap top on the sea wall, with the desktop machine nearby as back-up. I was meant to be working, but from time to time it was fun to look up and watch the water. I was just considering the best angle from which to photograph the shoreline when a huge wave raced up from the sea and crashed all over my belongings.

I rang Computing and Information Technology Services to beg for help in rescuing my kit. I soon learnt that they were not responsible for any equipment that had been taken off campus illegally.