Tom Hanks befriends eight-year-old who was bullied for having the name Corona - 9News

Very few people can say they've received a parcel from their Hollywood hero - but eight-year-old Corona DeVries is the exception.

It's certainly a difficult time to be named Corona.  Being the target of bullies at the start of the pandemic prompted the young boy to write to Hanks and wife Rita Wilson when they were recovering from coronavirus, telling them he knows what it's like to feel down and wishing them a speedy recovery.

Gold Coast boy Corona wrote to movie star Tom Hanks about his experiences being bullied for his name. (9News)

But when a parcel arrived at his home in Helensvale on the northern Gold Coast all the way from Santa Monica in California, the young boy could hardly contain his excitement.

Inside and buried underneath layers of bubblewrap - a vintage typewriter, accompanied by a typewritten note from the desk of Tom Hanks.

"It's awesome," Corona said about the gift, "because it's so old it must have belonged to someone before they gave it to Tom Hanks."

Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were quarantined in Australia after being struck with the coronavirus. (9News)

It's not just any typewriter either - but a 'Corona' brand antique. The very same device Hanks took with him into the isolation ward at Gold Coast University Hospital following his COVID-19 diagnosis. 

The letter accompanying the gift is heartwarming.

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"Dear Corona," it reads, "thank you for being such a good friend - friends make friends feel good when they are down.

"Even though I was no longer sick, getting your letter made me feel even better."

Corona said he loves Hanks because of his role as the voice of Woody in the Toy Story movies 

"He's hilarious," he said, "I always watch him on the TV when I'm sick."

Hanks is well known for his love of typewriters and this particular machine has even made an appearance alongside him on iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live.

Corona's Dad Kevin said it's an incredibly kind and unexpected gesture from the Hollywood heavyweight.

Hanks gifted the young boy with a typewriter. (9News)

"That typewriter meant a lot to Tom, and for him to give it to Corona is very, very special," he said.

The machine has clearly been well used over the years, the paper spool bearing the scars of countless keystrokes.

"I thought this typewriter would suit you," Hanks' letter reads, " I had taken it to the Gold Coast, and now, it is back - with you.

"Ask a grown-up how it works."

Corona concedes he's only ever seen a typewriter "on the internet".

In the parcel, Hanks also included stationary and self-addressed envelopes, telling Corona to "write me back".

Hanks signs off with a handwritten postscript  - "you've got a friend in me." 

A new found friendship certain to change the life of this young boy.

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2020-04-23 11:56:33Z
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