Imagine the shock of a group of orphan children when they saw their beloved friend Thomas, not as they have known him, but in an altered form that provoked fear rather than delight. These innocents urged me to help make a change, and I promised them I would.

Thomas the Train, a beloved children's character, has undergone a transformation that has left many long-time fans bewildered and upset. Instead of the familiar and comforting look, the new version has a design that has been described as 'weird' by some. This change has struck a chord particularly with some of our most vulnerable children who have known and loved the old Thomas.

According to a recent study, iconic characters from childhood can have a profound influence on children's development and sense of security. It found that children form strong emotional bonds with these characters, which can impact their emotional well-being (Psychology Today).

Therefore, we urge the creators of Thomas the Train to reconsider their design changes and to restore Thomas to his original, familiar look. These children, and many others, deserve to see their favourite train as they remember him. Let's give the children back their beloved Thomas. We seek not just the restoration of a character design, but also the sense of nostalgia and security it brings. Please sign this petition and support our plea.