A teenager from Wilstead has become a Guinness World Record holder thanks to her cuddly toy collection.
Hope Roberts, 19, officially has the largest collection of Jellycat toys in the world, and the number has grown even bigger since the record-breaking verification in December.
Jellycat was founded in London in 1999 and produces cute and collectable cuddly toys, including their ever-popular ‘bashful bunny’ series, alongside anthropomorphic avocados, coffee cups and marshmallows.
According to the Guinness World Records website, their adjudicator Emma Salt spent four hours verifying the collection, but it looks like she might have to make a return visit.
“My collection since the official count by Guinness World Records of 877 Jellycat items has now grown to 1,021 Jellycat items,” Hope told the Bedford Independent.
Hope began her collection just over two years ago when she bought a small white bunny rabbit from a local charity shop for just 20p.
“My Jellycat collection has built up over time, but also quite rapidly as I’ve received them as gifts and on special occasions,” said Hope.
“The biggest Jellycat I own is a Giant Bashful Grey Bunny – it’s massive, and so cuddly, and I’ve named her Pebbles.
“In comparison, the smallest Jellycat I own is a rare, retired Jellycat tiny fidget cow – it’s so unique, and on first glance it doesn’t appear to look like a ‘typical’ Jellycat due to its unique features, but it is.”
Hope says it’s too difficult to choose a favourite among her 1,021* item collection as she “loves them all equally”.
“However, there is a particular Bashful Juniper Luxe Bunny that I own, with my name ‘Hope’ embroidered on her ear. It was a lovely gift from my grandma a year or so ago.”
Asked what her dream Jellycat toy would be, Hope said: “The Jellycat I would love to create that hasn’t been made already is most likely a cat paw print shaped Jellycat – with a range of colours, and different textured fur.
“But most importantly, showing the toe beans of the cat – that all animal lovers love, including myself.”
Hope shares her Jellycat collection with the rest of the world on her TikTok and Instagram pages, which have a combined total of over 50,000 followers.
Asked about her plans for the future, Hope told the Bedford Independent, “My Jellycat collection is never-ending, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
