A guest on The Repair Shop said he can now move on after experts restored a doll that belonged to his late sister, bringing closure after an unresolved argument before her death.
During the BBC show, which aired a repeat on Monday, Teddy Bear Ladies Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell welcomed guest Ian into the barn with a doll that was described as looking rather worse for wear.
A century-old keepsake
Ian explained that the doll was given to his sister Denise when she was eight months old and was roughly around 100 years old. He described Denise as loving, caring and an amazing sister, adding that she called the toy 'The Doll' and treated it like an imaginary friend.
Sadly, Denise died in a road traffic accident when she was 24. Ian revealed that two days before her death, the pair had an argument and never made up. He said the doll remained in the bedroom for a few years afterwards before it was moved to the loft.
An emotional reveal
When asked how he felt to discover the doll again, Ian said he cried and wondered who could repair it. He stressed that he did not want it to look brand-new, as that would take away what the doll is. He asked for the legs to be repaired so it could walk again, and hoped for new hair, fingers and an outfit to match his memories.
Amanda and Julie said they felt honoured that Ian trusted them with the doll. At the unveiling, Ian was choked up and said the result was 'absolutely amazing', adding that Denise would be 'overwhelmed' to see it in such condition.
Closure at last
Speaking to cameras outside the barn, Ian said the doll symbolises closure for him. He explained that the argument before his sister passed had been eating away at him, but now the doll is repaired, he feels that chapter is closed and he can move on.
The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
