Search begins for child who sent dead father a heartbreaking letter by balloon

A young child’s heartbreaking Christmas letter to their dead father has sparked a viral search after it was found in a field tied to a balloon.

The emotional letter, which featured drawings of love hearts and sad faces, also included a heart-rending wish to receive a note under their pillow.

Now, Stuart McColl, who found the message in a field near Dunfermline, Fife, hopes that the child can be identified so they can receive their dream Christmas gifts.

Photographer Stuart, 30, shared the image on social media after he discovered it on Monday.

‘I was out walking my dog when I found the letter tied to a sparkly blue helium balloon in a field’, he said.

‘This was just too sad to ignore.

‘I’ve never done anything like this before but it’s a really tragic story so it would be great to do something to help this person who is having such a tough time.

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‘Unfortunately there’s been no solid leads as to who this child is yet but the image of the letter has been posted and shared a lot on social media. It has also been shared with foster agencies as well.

‘This story has just reached so many people and it is great that so many of them are getting involved in trying to find this kid. ‘

In the letter, which was written on December 1, the child explains that their mum is unwell and that they are currently living in foster care.

‘Hi dad, just writing you a letter to tell you I’m missing you and tell you news’, the child wrote.

‘I’m sure you know I’m in foster care cause mum is sick and my ear is blocked from Monday. Tomorrow we’re leaving.

‘I really miss school and you. I know you are up in heaven but are you safe?

‘Oh ya before I go here’s my dream and xmas list. My dream is for you my daddy to put a note under my pillow that you wrote.

‘My xmas list: boots/studs, astros, rebounder net, new Premier League ball, Real Madrid kit.

‘Bye daddy I love you.’

Now, many people have pledged donations to help get presents for the child, while the search to find him continues.