3,000 teddy bears delivered to children on hospital wards for National Teddy Bear Day
Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity and Be My Bear team up to deliver 3,000 cuddly surprises to seriously ill children across the UK currently receiving treatment in hospital
On Wednesday 9th September, young patients currently being treated at hospitals across the UK, got a ‘bear-y’ special and cuddly surprise when Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity delivered Be My Bear kits to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day (9th September). The campaign, which saw the children’s charity deliver over 3,000 bear building kits to children’s hospitals up and down the country, aimed to provide seriously ill children an escape from their day-to-day treatment with a fun activity they can take part in from their beds, whilst also giving them their very own teddy bear to treasure forever.
Working in collaboration with Be My Bear and 21 hospitals including Leeds Children’s Hospital, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Birmingham Southampton Children’s Hospital and St George’s Hospital in London, the children were provided with their very own teddy bear building kit, an activity pack and a ‘how to’ build along video, to mark the day.
The campaign was launched in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, which has seen many children in hospital unable to interact with each other, or make use of communal areas such as playrooms, to help combat feelings of isolation and reduce anxiety. By providing self-contained building bear kits, the children were able to take part from their hospital beds, as well as follow along on a live Facebook event with other children.
Afterwards, Health Play Specialist Team Coordinator, Jackie, from King’s College Hospital, said:
Thank you so much for all the lovely animals for National Teddy bear day. It was wonderful seeing the children’s faces when we appeared with the poster followed by the bear. I saw faces light up, children put down their phones/tablets and sit up. We all enjoyed giving these out and seeing the brilliant reactions from children, family and staff.
One member of staff said the child squealed with delight. Each of us shared how amazing this made us feel and we certainly had a fuzzy feeling inside. We are sure they all loved the experience too. We are truly grateful to you for bringing this joy and happiness and the good feeling has stretched into today too. Thank you for giving us this moment.
Suzanne Abrahams, General Manager at Leeds Children’s Hospital, added:
It’s difficult to put into words how grateful we are for kind donations such as this. At Leeds Children’s Hospital our aim is to the provide the very best in care and patient experience. For children, young people, and their families, who spend time in Leeds Children’s Hospital, fun-filled experiences like this are worth their weight in gold
