A care home resident fulfilled her dream by gifting handmade teddies, in person, to children in hospital.
Avice, a resident at Hickathrift House Care Home in Wisbech, has knitted teddy bears for patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for more than ten years.
Inspired to start knitting teddy bears following a tsunami in 2004, Avice has since donated to numerous charities and causes, including gifting numerous teddies to the hospital, delivered by her daughter.
However, when discussing her wish for this year, she expressed a desire to take the teddies herself, something she had never done before.
Upon hearing her wish, staff at Hickathrift House coordinated a visit to the hospital’s Rudham ward, allowing Avice and other residents who knit to present their handcrafted gifts directly to the children and staff.
Overflowing with teddies, blankets, scarfs, clothes and premature baby hats, the group was greeted by health play specialist, Nicola Wright, play assistant Claire Burrell, and children currently on the ward.
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Avice said: “After all these years, after potentially thousands of thousands of teddies, I've been able to see their little faces when they get one of them.
"It's been so nice, thank you all.
"It made me feel special that all of them came to say thank you.
"I can’t wait for them to receive my next batch."
Head of activities, Kat Colangelo, said: "This has been such a privilege to organise for Avice.
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"She is always working so hard on these teddies and to help her drop them off in person has been an absolute pleasure."
Paula Colman, general manager, said: “Avice started this project and it has been an inspiring way to connect with the next generation and make a difference.
"At Hickathrift House, it’s important for residents to continue their hobbies and passions and we hope this inspires other residents to grab those knitting needles.”
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