Fly-away friend comes home after Bristol Post missing budgie appeal

A HARTCLIFFE pensioner has described his "huge relief" after been reunited with his pet budgie – thanks to a Post appeal.

Maurice Perry, 78, saw his loyal companion Tom fly away last Thursday after he went to put the recycling out at his home in Maynard Road.

The retired mechanic was distraught, but after Tom's picture appeared in the paper last Friday, the feathered friend was found and identified by a couple almost two miles away.

Mr Perry told the Post: "It's wonderful. It's like winning the lottery only it's better for me because he's my mate."

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He added: "He's my closest companion and it's a huge relief to have him back."

Mr Perry and his daughter had initially feared the worst, after spending a day walking the streets and pinning posters up in their neighbourhood.

But Tom was found by Tracey and Stephen Lias at their home on Sherrin Way, Withywood – 1.7 miles away.

Mr Lias said: "We found him attached to our own aviary where we keep our own birds.

"My wife heard the birds going and she went out there to see a little white budgie hanging on to the outside.

"It was very friendly and jumped up onto her finger before we brought it inside."

Mr Lias said that they had put the bird in a cage and thought about taking it to the vet until a visit to the Queen's Head pub that night.

"When I mentioned what had happened down the pub, they showed me the picture in the Post and I said that's him."

Mr Perry's daughter, Debra, described the reunion as "fantastic". She said: "On Thursday after our long search Dad was absolutely crying his eyes out. He was so upset. But it was so amazing getting him back. What are the chances?"

Mr Perry said that the inseparable duo spend all their time together, with the budgie following him around the house.

"While I'm vacuuming he sits on my shoulder and while I wash the dishes he sits on my hand. I even share my dinner with him."

Mr Perry was so pleased that he offered a reward to the couple who returned his lucky budgie. The offer was politely refused and the £30 has now been donated to a children's hospice.