Heartbroken parents search for missing teddy

A HEARTBROKEN couple from Co Meath have issued an appeal for a special teddy bear they may have lost in the Kinsale or Ballygarvan area while here on a short visit.

The couple – who have asked not to be named – were travelling with their Féileacáin teddy bear which was part of a memory box for their daughter, who was stillborn almost two years ago. 

‘We visited Kinsale and the Old Head of Kinsale last Tuesday as well as the Pavilion Garden Centre in Ballygarvan and Garryvoe beach. 

Our eight-month-old daughter was travelling with us and while on our way down to Cork she had the teddy bear in her hand,’ said her father.

‘I would appeal to people in those areas that if they have seen it or mistakenly picked it up, to contact us. We brought this teddy bear everywhere with us and it was a great remembrance and comfort for us. 

‘We also want to thank people who said they said felt compelled to go and search for the teddy bear when they heard about our plight.’

Féileacáin is a national charity which offers support to anyone affected by the death of a baby around the time of birth. 

The lost bear – which is cream in colour with a purple ribbon – is one of a pair which came in the Féileacáin memory box, while the other bear was buried with their daughter.

The couple, who also visited Fota Wildlife Park and stayed in Ballymaloe House, are asking anyone who does find their teddy bear to contact Féileacáin on Facebook or hand it into Kinsale Tourist Office or the town’s garda station.