Boy who lost Peter Rabbit toy bombarded with postcards from strangers pretending to be the bunny
A boy who lost his Peter Rabbit teddy on a bus has been given a boost thanks to strangers who have sent postcards from around the world pretending to be the bunny on his holidays.
Ethan Mccann, six, was left heartbroken when he left the toy, which was dressed in a tiny replica of David Beckham’s kit from the 1998 World Cup, on a bus during a family trip to Devon.
His family tried repeatedly to find it, with his grandma Rosalyn Ainsworth posting dozens of messages on social media.
She received a message from one lady suggesting people send postcards to Ethan pretending to be from Peter himself.
Now Ethan has received dozens of postcards from "Peter" from all over the world, including Malta and Australia.
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His mum Sam Ainsworth, from Redditch, Worcestershire, said the gestures had cheered him up.
The 36-year-old said: "Ethan was distraught. He was in tears – to be fair we all were. Peter went everywhere with us – every family celebration. If you look in every picture Peter is there.
"I know it sounds sad, but it was like losing a member of the family. You have that emotional connection."
One of the postcards sent to Ethan said: "I might have got home by the time you get this. I'm having a ball in Paignton, Torquay and Dartmouth. I've sent you some rock to eat, and a little fluffy friend.
"I'm not home yet, I will get home one day. Love and miss you loads."
Others mentioned Peter's apparent new girlfriend 'Flopsy', while another described adventures in the New Forest.
Ethan had had the teddy his whole life after his grandma bought it for him when he was born.
Ainsworth said: "My mum did the first one – that was him with the England team. Then we’ve had ones from Scotland, but also local ones from Brixham and Paignton.
"We’ve even had one from Australia and a lady from Malta. It’s gone worldwide and I know there’s more coming.
"Ethan loved it – he’s really excited now to hear about Peter’s next adventure."
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