Children at Wansdyke School in Devizes joined thousands of youngsters across Wiltshire to enjoy a Big Teddy Takeover this summer term for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.
More than 30 schools, nurseries and groups – and even a few businesses – across Wiltshire took part in the local charity’s annual fundraising event during the national Children’s Hospice Week, from 16-22 June.
Children and staff were invited to bring their favourite teddy in for the day, in return for a small donation to the charity, with many also hosting bake sales, teddy bear picnics and other teddy-themed activities to raise further funds.
Julia’s House Fundraiser, Claudia Hazelton, said, “It was a joy to visit so many schools, including Wansdyke School, over Children’s Hospice Week to talk about Julia’s House and the local children and families that we help.
“All the children and staff were so enthusiastic and went above and beyond with their Big Teddy Takeovers to raise a super amount of donations to support our care at our hospice and in the community.”
Wansdyke School raised £206 for Julia’s House. The local children’s hospice charity is hopeful that more than £6,000 will be raised in total by the Big Teddy Takeover initiative.
Sam Heard, Headteacher of Wansdyke School, said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Julia’s House back to the school to promote their incredible cause with our children (and their teddies!).
“We were all humbled by the challenges some families face when their children are so poorly but also amazed at the incredible work Julia’s House do to support them. We were delighted to do our bit to help fundraise for this essential provision.”
The free care provided by Julia’s House to local families is only made possible thanks to fundraising and donations. The charity receives just eight per cent ongoing government funding.
Claudia explained, “As a charity, our costs are increasing along with the demand for our critical care. More children are being born and living longer with rare and complex medical conditions, so each year we need to raise more money to ensure we can be there for every family that needs us.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part and donated in this year’s Big Teddy Takeover. And we hope Wiltshire’s teddy bears will continue to take over many more schools, community groups and businesses next year!”
The Julia’s House Big Teddy Takeover event was kindly sponsored by McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon.
To find out more about Julia’s House and fundraising opportunities, please visit www.juliashouse.org
