I am so pleased that you posted this Ela as I relate a similar time period story which few believe. When I tell owners this if their cat goes missing they assume that I am lying to make them feel better.
A microchipped cat went missing in the Dorking, Surrey area a few years back. There were the usual sitings but puss didn't turn up. The owner moved home after about 2 years and, in the diminishing hope of ever finding her cat, told the chipping co. of her change of address. 4 YEARS AFTER GOINFG MISSING the cat turned up in the same Dorking area looking not to bad for wear and a quick scan re-united owner and cat.
The lessons to be learned are simple:
1. Don't give up all hope. I have encountered some who give up after 2 weeks. :grr:
2. Always, always inform the MC company of an address change.