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60-Year-Old Teddy Bear's Love Story Revived
24 Jun
Summary
- A 1966 World Cup souvenir lion is undergoing repairs.
- The toy represents a 60-year love story tinged with sadness.
- Experts meticulously restored the bear to preserve its 'luck'.
A cherished lion toy, known as World Cup Willie and dating back to the 1966 World Cup, is set to be featured on BBC One's The Repair Shop for a special segment.
Experts Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell are undertaking the intricate repair of the beloved stuffed animal. This teddy bear holds a significant 60-year love story for its owner, Stephanie, who hails from London. It was purchased during the 1966 World Cup, a time when Stephanie began attending matches with her boyfriend, Chris, who later became her husband.
The narrative is deeply emotional, described as a love story tinged with sadness. Chris passed away from an asthma attack nine months after their daughter, Alison, was born. Stephanie recalls attending all the 1966 games, keeping Willie in her coat pocket, often separated from Chris within the stadium.
After six decades, World Cup Willie was in a considerably worn condition, with stuffing loss and near-complete damage to one leg. The repair specialists are handling the restoration with extreme care, ensuring all original parts are kept to maintain the toy's sentimental essence and its 'luck'. The segment is scheduled to air on Wednesday at 20:00 BST.
