Thousands of children across Wiltshire and Dorset took part in this summer's Big Teddy Takeover, helping to raise vital funds for Julia's House Children's Hospice.
More than 45 schools, nurseries and community groups took part in our annual fundraising event during Children's Hospice Week (15–21 June).
Children and staff were invited to bring their favourite teddy to school in return for a small donation, with many also holding bake sales, teddy bear picnics and other teddy-themed activities to raise even more money.
Julia's House Fundraiser, Claudia Hazelton, said: "It was wonderful to visit schools taking part during Children's Hospice Week and share more about the local children and families we support.
"Everyone threw themselves into their Big Teddy Takeovers with such enthusiasm, raising an incredible amount to help fund our specialist care. It was fantastic to see so many schools and community groups getting involved."
We expect this year's Big Teddy Takeover to raise more than £7,000 to help fund hundreds of hours of specialist nursing care, respite and family support for local children with life-shortening and complex medical conditions.
Julia's House relies on the generosity of our local community to provide free care for children and families across Wiltshire and Dorset, receiving just eight per cent of our ongoing funding from the government.
Claudia said: "As a charity, we're seeing our costs continue to rise, while more local children with life-shortening conditions need our support than ever before. Every pound raised through events like Big Teddy Takeover helps us be there for families when they need us most, whether that's at our hospices or in their own homes.
"We can't thank everyone enough for getting involved. Every teddy brought to school and every donation will make a real difference to local children and families, and we'd love to see even more teddy takeovers across Wiltshire and Dorset next year."
The Julia's House Big Teddy Takeover was kindly sponsored by Bournemouth Water.
Looking for more bear action? This summer, the teddy fun continues with the Julia’s House Salisbury Bear Hunt. Spot 100 bears hidden in shop windows across the city and be in with a chance of winning a prize. Find out more about this on the event pages of our website.