Christmas Eve: Train company delivers giant teddy bear to toddler in Scotland on behalf of family unable to visit her

A train company has delivered a giant teddy bear to a toddler in Scotland on behalf family who were unable to visit her this festive period.

Major Tim and Dr Emily Barker with the bear for their daughter Evelyn, aged three, at Leuchars Train Station picture: LNER

An aunt and uncle of three-year-old Evelyn Barker who live in Leeds bought the young Scot a giant 5ft stuffed toy as a gift for Christmas this year.

But due to recent Covid-19 restrictions in place for the UK, they were unable to visit little Evelyn to deliver the enormous present on the day.

After contacting LNER for help, the train company gave the teddy bear a first class ride from Leeds to Leuchards to meet the Barkers.

Evelyn’s Dad, Major Tim Barker, said: “We received a message from Auntie Emma and Uncle James in Leeds telling us to get to Leuchars Station to meet the train. We couldn’t believe it when we saw the bear emerge from the First Class carriage with the help of the onboard crew.”

The bear joined the LNER 7.35am Azuma service from York to Aberdeen on Tuesday 22 December to make the 181-mile journey to Leuchars.

Evelyn’s Mum, Emily Barker, said: “We are so impressed and amazed LNER made this happen for us. All Evelyn wanted for Christmas was a bear and we didn’t think it would happen until the team at

LNER offered to help. We can’t wait to see Evelyn’s reaction on Christmas Day.”

David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “We are thrilled we’ve been able to help make Christmas truly very special for Evelyn this year when her family, like so many others, were unable to travel to be together.”

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