The Leader revealed the friendship between Elliot the teddy bear and five-year-old Logan Groth on yesterday’s front page. Logan was diagnosed with epilepsy in February.

The initiative from Epilepsy Australia sees one of two bears, Elliot and Elly sent out to young epilepsy sufferers across Australia as a special friend for a week.

Logan’s mum, Kate Groth said she had been overwhelmed with messages of support from other parents with sick children who had got in contact with her after seeing the story.

“The response to the article was amazing. I’ve got the best support network anyone could ask for and now I might be able to do the same thing for other people,” Ms Groth said.

She said Logan had taken his new friend to early intervention yesterday morning, happily oblivious to his new-found fame. 

Offers of teddybears from charitable residents were also thick and fast, with some wanting to make sure little Logan had a permanent friend to take him through Christmas.

Ms Groth said she was delighted with the response to the article and wanted to thank all those who contacted her.

Brenda Lodge from the Salvation Army said she would love to provide any unwanted teddybears with a new owner in time for Christmas.

Teddy bears of all shapes and sizes can be dropped at the Salvation Army Family Store at 186 Peel St, Tamworth.