Picture via Twitter
Our children's toys hold a special significance for them, going beyond a plaything and instead becoming their friend and a wonderful source of comfort.
Matt Barnfield, a father from Twickenham, London, knows just how important this bond can be.
His son Jack is autistic, and he loves his constant companion, simply named 'Bear'.
Unfortunately Jack has lost his 'best friend', but his dad is hoping that the kindness of people on Twitter can help them in their search.
My beautiful boy has lost his favourite thing in the world known simply as Bear. Jack is autistic and this scruffy bear has been his best friend and companion. He is completely devastated and would be so grateful to find him again. Twickenham, Teddington and local area. Pls RT pic.twitter.com/Rv45Cft0s9
— Matt Barnfield (@mattbarnfield1) 13 April 2018
"My beautiful boy has lost his favourite thing in the world known simply as Bear," Matt tweeted.
"Jack is autistic and this scruffy bear has been his best friend and companion. He is completely devastated and would be so grateful to find him again. Twickenham, Teddington and local area."
He said that the bear could possibly be spotted alongside a knitted white and red panda toy, too.
Matt's original tweet asking people to help find Bear has already been retweeted over 1,000 times, so hopefully some helpful person will find the stuffed animal soon.
Kind-hearted Twitter users sent on loving words and shared their own stories of lost toys making their way home.
"If it gives you any hope, my daughter’s Spot the dog was lost once while on holiday in Spain and was returned to us a few weeks later no worse for wear. Hopefully Bear will find his way home too," one parent shared.
May well be with this knitted red and white panda pic.twitter.com/bR72qxzt18
— Matt Barnfield (@mattbarnfield1) 13 April 2018
"I have this bear but it's almost brand new since my kids never played with it," another tweeted, "Wish we lived closer because I would give it to you as a back-up. I know how important people like Bear are in the lives of children."
"Hi Jack! I’m sorry you can’t find Bear, I know he’s very special to you. He’s probably on an adventure right now having so much fun, and there are loads of people looking for him so he can come home to you when he gets tired of adventuring," a Twitter user wrote encouragingly.
Our hearts are just melting at the outpouring of love Matt and Jack are receiving from far and near.
Be sure to keep an eye out if you are in the Twickenham or Teddington area - you could very well make a little boy's day if you spot Bear.
We hope that Jack is reunited with his best friend soon, and we admire his father's efforts to find this very special toy.
