This special teddy has become one of the most sought-after toys of Christmas. 

A lovable little bear with a unique link to Donegal has launched in Tesco stores this December.

Cedric the Teddy was given his name by Lewis Evans (aged 5) from Ballybofey. Lewis entered a colouring competition while he was a patient at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and awaiting surgery.

The competition entry asked kids to dream up a name for the bear, and so Lewis decided on the unique name: Cedric.

Here’s when Lewis met Cedric for the first time:

Pictured alongside his brother Alec and Mum Deborah in Tesco Letterkenny is Temple patient Lewis Evans (5) with the Cedric teddy bear that he named. Photo Clive Wasson

Since then, Cedric has starred in his own adventurous TV advert.

Inspired by a true story, the tale of Cedric being lost in a Tesco store and becoming a Service Superstar, has captured the hearts and minds of the nation, with customers and colleagues seeking a Cedric of their own.

Lewis Evans (5) and Tesco Letterkenny Staff: Front from left Nuala McIntyre, Gavin McMonigle, Lewis Evans and Jessica Harkin. Back from left Angela Hanrihan, Shane McGrory, Sabrina McNulty, Gavin McLaughlin, Aidan Bonar, Charlotte Gallagher, Seamus Crossan, Emma Ne, Cora Hunter and Karen Burke. Photo Clive Wasson

Pictured alongside Emma Nee from Tesco Letterkeny is Temple Street patient Lewis Evans (5) with the Cedric teddy bear that he named. Photo Clive Wasson

The good news is that Tesco customers and colleagues can now get their very own Cedric from Saturday 1st December, while stocks last. Each Cedric purchased will help Tesco reach their target of raising €4million in 4 years for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

To celebrate the launch of the Cedric teddy bears, a special team of Tesco elves made a surprise visit to Temple Street this week to make sure that every little Temple Street hero was given their very own Cedric teddy bear.

Lewis Evans playing with all the Cedric bears in Tesco Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson

Each year Temple Street Children’s University Hospital treats over 145,000 children from across the country and operates the busiest A&E department in Europe. For thousands of children, Temple Street is the only hospital in Ireland in which they can be treated.

Through the charity partner programme, Tesco colleagues and customers can help little people from all over Ireland get better and be real life heroes to children attending the hospital.

Cedric bears cost €5, with all proceeds in aid of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.