A Wimbledon family are celebrating after a beloved soft toy that went missing in the post was returned to them safely.

The Wimbledon Guardian reported last week that ‘Poppy’, a small Dalmatian soft toy, had gone missing on its way home to nine-year-old Livia Michaels in Merton Hall Gardens.

August 17: 'It's like a member of our family has died': Wimbledon dad takes on Royal Mail after daughter's beloved toy goes missing in the post

The toy, a lifelong companion which had accidentally been left at a friend’s house in Kent, was supposed to be delivered on August 3. Despite being sent by recorded delivery, the toy did not arrive.

When Livia’s father, Adrian Michaels, originally contacted the Royal Mail, he said he was told their systems showed Poppy had been delivered on that day and signed for by Livia. He was also told it was impossible to find out who was responsible for the error or where Poppy actually was, as they were changing their electronic systems.

Wimbledon Times:

Livia and Poppy taking a nap in a picture from 2013

Mr Michaels, who had said his daughter was unable to sleep without Poppy and had been crying frequently, is now happy to say that Poppy made it safely home on Friday, August 19, after it emerged that she was incorrectly posted through the letterbox of a neighbour who had been away on holiday for three weeks.

Royal Mail now say they have spoken to the postman responsible for the mistake, and offered compensation and a Build-a-Bear voucher to the Michaels family.

Mr Michaels said: “Poppy is now on holiday with us in Sweden.

“We have been contacted several times by the Royal Mail chairman’s office. They have said they will be following up with the delivery person who did not follow their correct procedures and I believe that they will.

“Although the postal service originally made some bad mistakes and created a lot of distress in our house, Royal Mail has taken our complaints seriously and followed up as best they can.

“I would like to thank the Wimbledon Guardian for its initial story which I believe helped us, certainly stirred extra concern at the Royal Mail and speeded any offers of compensation.”

Livia said: “I am so relieved and pleased and happy that Poppy has come back. I know that I will sleep much better now.”

However, the ending may not be as happy for “poor substitute” toy Trevor the rabbit, who was bought after Poppy’s disappearance, as Mr Michaels said: “Livia says that Trevor is happy that he has got to meet Poppy, but he doesn’t know if he may be abandoned in the future or continue to receive lots of love.

Wimbledon Times:

Mr Michaels, Livia and Trevor

“I saw him on the first night Poppy was back and he was looking a bit lost and alone on the sofa. But he is on holiday with us too and seems to be getting his share of attention.

“The Build-a-Bear voucher will certainly add to the mix, but to be honest I don’t see a third interloper breaking into the coveted night time schedule.”

Royal Mail spokesperson Sally Hopkins said: "Royal Mail is pleased that Poppy and Livia have been reunited and we have offered compensation to the Michaels family as an apology.

"We have spoken to the postman concerned and will again be reminding our postmen and women in Wimbledon of the correct delivery procedures to ensure this doesn't happen again."

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