A father from Wimbledon is taking on the might of the Royal Mail after his young daughter’s beloved soft toy went missing in the post.

‘Poppy’, a small Dalmatian soft toy, was supposed to be delivered to nine-year-old Livia Michaels at her home in Merton Hall Gardens on August 3, after it had accidentally been left at the house of a friend in Kent. However, despite being sent by recorded delivery, the package never arrived.

Wimbledon Times:

Where in the world is Poppy?

Livia’s father, Adrian Michaels, contacted the Royal Mail and was told that the package had been delivered at 8.55am and signed for by nine-year-old Livia.

Mr Michaels insists that he was in the house at this time and no package came, and says he was told by Royal Mail that it was impossible to find out who had been responsible for delivering Poppy as they were in the middle of changing over their electronic systems.

Mr Michaels said: “Livia is extremely distressed and crying frequently. It is honestly like a member of our family has died.

“Her big sister Anna picked Poppy out for her when either she was just born or just about to arrive. She’s slept with it almost every night since then. It’s been two weeks since she went missing, and she’s still having trouble sleeping.

Wimbledon Times:

Livia and Poppy take a nap in 2013

“We just don’t know what to tell her. Now I’ve got a nine-year-old girl who’s wondering who in the world you can trust if you can’t trust the Royal Mail.”

Mr Michaels says he has spent the last two weeks desperately asking neighbours if they may have received the package by mistake, and a poster of missing Poppy is currently displayed on their front door.

Spokeswoman for the Royal Mail, Sally Hopkins, said: “Royal Mail would like to apologise to Mr Michaels as he did not on this occasion receive the high quality of service we are committed to deliver to our customers.

Wimbledon Times:

Adrian Michaels with Livia and 'poor substitute' toy Trevor in front of a poster for missing Poppy

“We handle millions of items every day across the UK and every item of mail is important to us, and we regularly remind all our postmen and women of the correct delivery procedures.

“Mr Michaels should contact our customer service team so we can investigate fully and update him directly.”

Mr Michaels said he has been in contact with the Royal Mail several times, who have opened an investigation into what happened, and the family are still clinging onto the hope that Poppy will make it home.

Mr Michaels added: “We bought Livia a toy rabbit called Trevor in Covent Garden to try and make her feel better, but to be honest he’s a very poor substitute.

“My little girl is so upset. We just want our dog back.”

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