Bolton: Washacre Primary receives gift from 'the Fat Controller'

Not only that, but they were also given toy trains to play with thanks to a big-hearted stranger.

The letter and donation came about when Vicky Lowe, deputy head at Washacre Primary School in Westhoughton, recently took to eBay to try and buy some toy trains for children to play with.

She said: “One of our children has significant additional needs and one of his things is Thomas the Tank Engine. So, I went to look for some toy trains on eBay.

“I found a gentleman called Andrew was selling them and contacted him asking if I bought a few, would he be able to combine the postage costs, which he agreed.

“He asked what I was buying them for, so I explained.”

Unfortunately, Vicky was unsuccessful in bidding for the trains – some of them went for £15 each.

Washacre student Zidan plays with the donated trains (Image: Washacre Primary School)

But having found out why Vicky was searching for toy trains,  the seller got back in contact saying that he had a number of duplicates in his collection that he would be happy to donate to the school.

Vicky told The Bolton News: “He wouldn’t accept any money. It was all donated.

“It’s nice to know that there are some really lovely people out there.

“He wrote a beautiful letter which he signed off as ‘Sir Topham Hatt, which is, of course, the Fat Controller.”

Andrew’s letter reads:

Dear Children of Washacre Primary School,

I have it on VERY good authority that some of you are VERY big fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, and that you love to hear about their adventures here on the Island of Sodor.

It is with this in mind that I have a special request to make… Would you be so kinds as to look after and play with these toy engines? Some of them you may recognise from Thomas’ adventures, others aren’t quite so famous but they would love to be involved in your games and you’ll have great fun with them; perhaps you could give them their own names?

They are a little worn around the edges, but this is because they have been working VERY hard indeed and have been played with and loved lots and lots. Now it’s YOUR turn to play with them.

I hope you all have a lovely day, and have fun and work hard just like the engines do.

With my very best wishes,

Sir Topham Hatt

(though you may know me as the Fat Controller)

The letter the school received from Andrew, aka the Fat Controller (Image: Washacre Primary School)

The trains have already gone down well among the children at the school.

Vicky added: “The children play with them a lot. They really like them."

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