Leeds family send Christmas teddy to little girl by LNER Azuma train

Three-year-old Evelyn Barker's Christmas wish this year was for a teddy bear.

Leeds family members Emma Barker and James Hamer had bought her a bear as a present, but with the latest travel restrictions, they were unable to deliver the gift in person.

So they contacted LNER's social media team to ask for help getting Evelyn’s present to her in Scotland.

The bear joined the LNER 07.35 Azuma service from York to Aberdeen on Tuesday, December 22, to make the 181-mile journey in under four hours to arrive in Leuchars before lunchtime.

Evelyn’s parents met the train crew as the Azuma train glided into Leuchars with the very special delivery in good time for Christmas Day.

David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “We are thrilled we’ve been able to help make Christmas truly very special for Evelyn this year when her family, like so many others, were unable to travel to be together. “

"In what has been a challenging time for all of us, I’m proud our teams were able to help sprinkle some Christmas magic and will hopefully make many people smile.”

Evelyn is yet to name the bear, which is more than five feet tall and carried a special note around its neck about the journey.

Evelyn’s Dad, Major Tim Barker, said: “We received a message from Auntie Emma and Uncle James in Leeds telling us to get to Leuchars Station to meet the train.

"We couldn’t believe it when we saw the bear emerge from the First Class carriage with the help of the onboard crew.”

Evelyn’s Mum, Emily Barker, said: “We are so impressed and amazed LNER made this happen for us.

"All Evelyn wanted for Christmas was a bear and we didn’t think it would happen until the team at LNER offered to help."