A man's childhood toy monkey has been restored by experts on The Repair Shop. Keith Jones from Cheshire brought in the well-loved stuffed animal, which belonged to his partner Peter but had seemingly been lost for years.
Speaking to soft toy specialists Julie and Amanda on the BBC restoration programme, Keith explained how Peter had died last year after the couple both contracted coronavirus. Three weeks after he passed away, Keith found Monkey in a small box among his possessions and has sought comfort in his company ever since.
He said: "It was a big relief that I found him but also sad that Peter never found him again[...] I talk to him every night – it may seem a bit daft but it's still a link to being with Peter.
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"Life is just nothing like it was like beforehand. I just sit there now and think of what was."
But with Monkey suffering the effects of age – with frayed paws, damaged face and discoloured fur – Keith decided to seek restoration. The experts sewed new paws from matching felt, patched his face, lined his back and gave him a fresh clean.
Amanda said: "We're just stabilising him so he lasts a few more years. So Keith can hold him when he feels a bit down and Monkey is there to support him like Peter would have done when he was here."
Keith praised the specialists' work, adding that Peter "would be delighted". Observing the new backpack on Monkey's shoulders, he said: "When I get around to travelling again he can come with me."
Reacting to Keith's story on social media, viewers expressed their sympathy and respect for him finding comfort in Monkey. Avril said: "RIP Peter. Such a sad story. Monkey was always meant to be found to comfort his partner."
Andrew posted: "Oh no. I can feel it already. I’m going to be reduced to tears by a refurbished toy monkey."
Mick commented: "I'm always in complete awe at the people in the #RepairShop They’re all amazing at what they do."
Other items repaired on Wednesday's episode included a motorbike-style rocking horse and a suffragette autograph book signed by Estelle Sylvia Pankhurst.
The Repair Shop airs Wednesdays at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
