An international toy brand is raising funds for an Andover charity after creating a doll based on a Faberstown Girl.

Lottie Dolls, based in Ireland, has created the ‘Rosie Boo’ doll after hearing the story of Rosie Barnett, a six-year-old with Down’s Syndrome. The company made the doll following Rosie’s dad, Jason Kneen, having built a lifesize replica of one of its dolls houses in the family’s back garden.

Jason said his family was “thrilled” with the doll, with profits from online sales going towards Andover Twenty1, which supports families with Down’s Syndrome.

Lottie Dolls was founded in 2012 as a company aiming to promote STEM subjects for children. The dolls focus on a range of different topics, with one model, Stargazer Lottie, being taken into space by astronaut Tim Peake.

The company first became aware of Rosie’s story when they heard about the life-size replica of their doll’s house being constructed in the family’s back garden. The family rents out the doll’s house on AirBnB.

At the time, Jason said: “As a thank you for doing this, they want to make a doll for her [Rosie], so they’ve sent us a design through, and they’re actually going to do a Down’s syndrome doll”.

The doll has since been produced and made available to pre-order on Sunday, March 21, for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). It features an animal dress to reflect Rosie’s love of nature, odd socks to commemorate WDSD, and boots with extra support.

Jason said: ““We’re thrilled, at this time of year especially, that we can raise awareness for Down’s syndrome and educate children on the differences that Down’s syndrome comes with, and what makes these kids special.”

“The nice thing about Lottie is that they’re very diverse and inclusive in terms of how they approach the design of the dolls.

“It’s really important that they have done different disabilities, different body types, and this is a great opportunity, with the extra information that has gone into the pack as well.”

He added: “We are delighted that a donation from every sale of the Rosie Boo doll will be made to our local charity, Andover Twenty1, supporting people with Down’s Syndrome and their families."

Andover Twenty1 told the Advertiser: "Andover Twenty1 is delighted that Lottie Dolls have created a doll inspired by one of our members. We absolutely adore the Rosie Boo Doll and she is a fantastic way to show that children's toys can be inclusive.

"We are also extremely grateful that Lottie Dolls are highlighting our charity by donating a portion of each sale to Andover Twenty1. This support will allow us to continue services for Rosie and all her friends in the years to come."

Ian Harkin, of Lottie Dolls, said: “We have learnt how playing with toys with differences helps develop empathy in kids before culture determines how we should react to differences.

“To me, that’s one of the most powerful things we’ve discovered about doll play, the positive impact that can empower kids but also potentially to help reduce bullying by normalising differences.

“It’s incredibly powerful for kids to be able to see a doll in their likeness but equally it’s important that all kids have a diverse toy box.”