Amanda Middleditch, a soft toy restoration expert on The Repair Shop, admitted being 'terrified' while repairing a 1966 England World Cup mascot toy, World Cup Willie, during the June 24 episode of the BBC program.
Significance of the Toy
The toy belonged to Steph Taylor, who brought it to the barn with her daughter Alison. Steph purchased Willie at her first football match in 1966 and carried it in her pocket to every Wembley match that year, including the final. She attended those games with her future husband Chris; their romance blossomed during the tournament, and they married that same year. Their daughter Alison was born eight months later. Tragically, Chris died of an asthma attack just nine months after Alison's birth.
'That makes Willie much more significant,' noted Julie Tatchell, the other expert working on the restoration. Alison added: 'Because they weren't together very long, he's the only thing that I have that connects mum and dad. So, it's quite special to me as well.'
Restoration Challenges
The toy was in a 'rather sorry state,' with damp damage leaving two holes in its face. Amanda expressed her anxiety: 'He looks extremely fragile, doesn't he? I'm quite concerned about his face. This little guy's face is absolutely terrifying. The damp has left him with these two ugly holes. I've got to make him look good again.'
While feeding a new piece of fabric under the damaged face, Amanda worked cautiously: 'I'm holding my breath here because the worst thing that could happen is his face disintegrates on me, and then I would have to replace the whole face. Oh, it's a scary one! I think this is actually scarier than taking a penalty in the World Cup final. [I'm] absolutely terrified. But we can do this.'
Emotional Reunion
Julie and Amanda successfully restored World Cup Willie, leaving Steph and Alison speechless. 'Oh my goodness, that's amazing!' said Alison. Her mother added: 'I don't know if he's ever looked that good!' A visibly emotional Steph said: '[I'm] quite filled up about it all, really. Yeah.' Alison reiterated: 'He's quite special because he's a link to my mum and my dad. He's the only thing that really connects them.' Steph concluded: 'He's a very important lion.'
The Repair Shop is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
