Two Irish teddy bears, known as Capt Paddy T Bear and Lucky, have embarked on a whimsical global adventure, all in the name of charity. 

These furry travellers have spent the past few months gallivanting across the world, from Seattle in the United States to Johannesburg in South Africa, and even here to Australia, where they visited Perth, with various airline crews as their companions.

Their journey, dubbed the Aviation Ireland Challenge, is the brainchild of Jason Phelan, a flight operations administrator with the Irish Aviation Authority. Capt Paddy T Bear, an ex-Irish Air Corp pilot in plush form, and his sidekick, Lucky, inspired by a real-life puppy rescue story, are on a mission to raise funds for two noble causes – the children’s hospice LauraLynn and the animal charity Dogs Trust.

What started as a whimsical idea in December last year has since taken flight, literally. The bears have garnered fame at an astonishing pace, with airlines worldwide enthusiastically joining in the adventure. Irish aircraft-leasing company ASL Airlines has even sponsored these globe-trotting teddies.

To follow the year-long challenge, see Facebook and Instagram.