Thanks to the festive goodwill of a conscientious seven-year-old, a girl three years her junior has been ‘reunited’ with her beloved cat toy.

The Comet: Evie Angelidi is 'reunited' with her toy Poppy.Evie Angelidi is 'reunited' with her toy Poppy. (Image: Archant)

A Sunday trip for the Angelidi family – who live in Stotfold – to the Christmas Fayre at Waddesdon Manor in Aylesbury turned into a nightmare after four-year-old Evie’s favourite furry friend Poppy went missing.

The toy – originally called Pursley – has been at Evie’s side since she was a baby, and upon being told that she had gone on an adventure by her parents, the youngster was distraught.

Mum Katy was determined to make amends, but found that the toy had been retired from maker TY’s collection, and was only available for a whopping £140 online.

When all looked lost, hope came from an unlikely but nearby source, after an Arlesey mother posted on the Stotfold Mummies Facebook site to say that her seven-year-old was happy to part with her Pursley toy if she knew it was going to a good home.

Katy said: “I was handed her with a handwritten note that said ‘Dear Evie, I hope you love cat as much as I do. Meredith Moss’.

“It was the sweetest, most kind-hearted gesture and the fact that she is seven made it even more incredible. I had a cry on the doorstep!

“When I gave Evie the new Poppy she floored me in a hug.

“She asked briefly how come she has softer fur and why she looks cleaner now, but has accepted that she’s been on an adventure and looked after by a little girl. Poppy is now firmly back in a headlock at all times.”

The goodwill hasn’t stopped there, however, with multiple Facebook groups being shared around the UK offering to find the original Poppy, or raise the funds for a new one.

“With all the awful things happening in the world right now, this outpouring of love and support from people who didn’t know Evie has had me gobsmacked,” Katy added.

“It may have only been a toy cat but she was saved from a heartbreaking situation and I am so grateful to Meredith and her mummy and all those who were willing to help.”