Brit mum buys 'world's most haunted doll' with horrifying consequences

A British mum from Cornwall bought what’s been touted as the ‘UK’s most haunted doll’ and says she and her family have been haunted by it ever since, even claiming the terrifying doll speaks to her three-year-old son.

Candice Collins, 42, bought the eerie toy on eBay from Christian Hawksworth, who had initially picked it up at an antiques fair for just £3. The doll, named Norman, made headlines in 2023 when Christian decided to put it up for sale after a string of bad luck, including an appendix that exploded, being shot, failed car brakes, and a significant salary cut.

Despite hearing these horror stories, mum-of-three Candice was intrigued and purchased the doll — which has blonde hair and wears a striped blue shirt — on eBay for £200. Candice, a paranormal investigator who hails from Falmouth and collects haunted dolls and other possessed items, hopes to one day open her very own museum of paranormal possessions.

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However, ever since Norman’s arrival in June 2023, Candice claims her life has taken a bizarre turn with the allegedly malevolent doll bringing “lots of pain” to the family. She told What’s The Jam: "As soon as I opened the box, the room went freezing cold and a heavy depression filled the air. I knew then there was definitely something attached to this doll.

“I've worked with Norman a few times, but that same feeling comes washing over me. It fills my bones with dread. It didn't feel right from the beginning to keep him in the house, so I put him in a glass box with some holy water.”

Candice keeps the doll in a small outhouse in their garden so that it doesn’t stay in the house and is kept at a distance from the family, however, she feels he has found a way to affect them. Candice added: “My health hasn't always been great, but it was under control. Since getting him, it's much worse.

“I have arthritis, headaches and also random bruises that come up on my body for no reason. I've got a scratch on my back that looks like deep claw marks, too. My partner, Nick, needs a hip replacement, as that has taken a turn for the worse.

“It just feels like never ending bad luck. I don't know if it's a result of this demonic doll.”

In fact, the mum believes she's caught Norman chuckling and having conversations with her three-year-old son at night. Candice shared: “In the night, I can hear my little boy talking to someone. He also starts laughing, which is very strange. I've had nightmares, which can be troublesome. I wake up in a panic because I'm drowning or being attacked by an unseen figure.

“I've even felt my hand being bitten while dreaming. I sensed something making sounds in our bathroom and heard an evil voice calling my name in my sleep. It all felt so real.”

After growing up in a haunted home, Candice has developed a keen interest in the paranormal and owns dozens of supposedly haunted items. Candice also runs Cornish Ghost Whispers, a paranormal investigation group, reports Cornwall Live.

The mum shared: “I grew up in a haunted house, so I’ve seen spirits my whole life. I’d see children running through the house. I saw an old lady walk past the window when there was no one in the garden. Black shadows. People whispering. Things moving and lights going on and off.”

Speaking about Norman, Candice said: “He does remind me of something out of the Chucky movies. It seems he's out to get anyone that stands in his way.

“The bottom line is that you're not safe around him, especially if you have children, as he wants them all to himself. I would never trust him around a child, as I think he's focused on manipulating them.

“It whispers things, words that can cause real harm; even death. I really do think he's the most possessed doll in the UK – maybe the world.

"To be able to inflict such pain and accidents as he has done really makes you wonder how far he will go. I do all of what is needed to protect [my family]. I use sage, crystals, holy water – anything I can.

“I want to prove that there is life after death, and that not all objects are evil, some just need help. But I've got to keep my wits about me, as I don't know what could happen next.”