Photo via losttoys.tumblr.com
Something caught the eye of Lauren Bishop Vranch, a London-based marketing director, while she was on the East Coast train at Kings Cross: a stuffed bear, its fur practically worn down to the stuffing. This guy had been loved for a long time. She couldn’t leave it there.
Hoping to find the bear’s owner, Vranch tweeted a photo of the toy, saying she’d drop it off in the Kings Cross lost-property box the following day. In the meantime, though, the bear would have to travel with her to Newcastle, England, for a concert and a hotel stay.
Found this well loved little dude on an East Coast train at Kings Cross – let’s find the owner, Twitter! pic.twitter.com/nKB5CMkApM
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
Little bear will be collectible from Kings Cross lost property from 4pm tmrw.
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
Prior to his return to the safety of Kings Cross, little bear will be having some adventures in Newcastle.
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
Little bear has found a cosy pub with a fire and a Christmas tree. Think he misses home tho. pic.twitter.com/CeNmpK5iaQ
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
Little bear has found a nice hotel to stay in. Tho the more I look at him, the more he looks like a dog. pic.twitter.com/69CstuhsBK
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
Bear has found his way backstage at Northern Stage Newcastle. He’s going to see some panto. Lucky bear. pic.twitter.com/8WJnzmdCvo
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
Waiting for the show to start #lostbear pic.twitter.com/ZzPgk4VMsU
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
Tried to hand #lostbear to train staff but was advised he’d be dropped off at Inverness, when his owner travelled York-Kings Cross.
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 13, 2013
#lostbear looking out at the Newcastle morning, ready for the journey back pic.twitter.com/tsfvwR5jnc
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 14, 2013
#lostbear‘s morning walk on the quayside. Beautiful day. pic.twitter.com/DSUjQ0yuDI
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 14, 2013
#lostbear‘s journey back to London. Lost property awaits. pic.twitter.com/pvcudP9u8C
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 14, 2013
When she got back to London, lost property was closed. The bear is safe and warm for the weekend, but the owner must still be out there.
Lost property closed for the weekend. Because people don’t lose things at weekends? #lostbear not safe yet. Will contact @eastcoastuk
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 14, 2013
Sad #lostbear Not out of the (metaphorical) woods yet. Someone must know him. pic.twitter.com/D0TrCdRKGv
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 14, 2013
We’ve gotta help #lostbear make it back home. Christmas “miracles” are all bunk, but can you imagine if this one actually came true?
Update: THE BEAR IS HOME.
It belongs to a girl named Phoebe, whose pop spotted it on a Facebook page called Spotted: On the Train.
In case you missed it. Well done Internet! @laurenannbishop @Spottedontrain Kings Cross Teddy’s family has been found pic.twitter.com/iSqv7x0n2O
— Lost Teddy Bear (@lostteddybear) December 15, 2013
What’s more, the bear isn’t a bear after all—it’s a lion cub, and its name is Roar.
Well done, internet!! It looks like the owner of #lostbear has been found. Bear is actually a lion – oops! :) Thanks everyone!!
— Lauren Bishop Vranch (@laurenannbishop) December 15, 2013
Here they are, reunited. Aren’t happy endings nice?
Photo via @laurenannbishop/Twitter