Hey, Jude – you’ve made it back home at last!
The full power of social media and community spirit was shown this week when a lost teddy bear was located in less than a day following a plea for it to be found.
On returning home to Newton Mearns outside Glasgow after a weekend away on Arran, parents Kathleen and Darren Bruce realised their seven-yearold son Cole did not have his favourite toy with him.
A quick search and an enquiry with CalMac ferry staff came up empty in the search for Jude, the teddy bear which has been Cole’s faithful companion since he was born, and who has travelled all over Europe with the youngster.
Kathleen, in a last ditch attempt to find Jude, posted her message on Facebook but, by her own admission, thought that the chances of finding him were slim. To Cole and his parents surprise the plea was reposted to community notice boards and shared with others on the internet more than 2,600 times within hours.
More than 200 comments and commiserations were made, including ones from the housekeeping staff at the Auchrannie Hotel who began a search for the errant bear.
Within 19 hours of the initial post Danuta Gryka, a housekeeper at the hotel, found the bear and offered to return it to a very grateful Cole who had not been separated from it since he was two weeks old.
A relieved Cole and delighted Kathleen told the Banner: ‘I cannot believe this, I am overjoyed, the power of social media is phenomenal and so are all of the good kind-hearted people who have made my wee boy the happiest ever by taking the time to comment and share. I cannot thank everyone enough from the bottom of my heart.’
Jude was returned by special delivery and arrived back home within days after his extended holiday on Arran.