Children at Evelina London celebrate National Teddy Bear Day with Rays of Sunshine

Children staying at Evelina London Children’s Hospital were treated to a very special day, when wish-granting charity Rays of Sunshine delivered all the “bear necessities” to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day.

Celebrated annually on 9 September, National Teddy Bear Day is a chance to pay tribute to the much-loved children’s toy. To mark the occasion and spread some sunshine, Rays of Sunshine teamed up with hospitals across the UK by sending out thousands of teddy bear-building kits.

As well as the teddy bear kits, they also provided specially designed materials like teddy bear masks, bunting, activity sheets and resources for the children to keep the bear fun going.

Sue Pruden, play service manager at Evelina London Children’s Hospital said: “We’re so grateful to Rays of Sunshine for helping us to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day with children and young people in hospital. Thanks to Rays of Sunshine we were able to host a teddy bear making workshop so children like Ninamay could make a bear and enjoy a fun afternoon. We were also able to provide kits to ward areas so families could take part in their own time.

As play specialists, we use play to explain treatments to our patients, distract children from their treatment and give them a sense of normality despite them being in hospital.  Whether it’s through arts and crafts, or building teddies on National Teddy Bear Day, we’re here to support children and create positive experiences at a difficult time in their lives.”

Karen Miles, hospital services manager at Rays of Sunshine, says: “We are so happy to hear that the children of Evelina London Children’s Hospital enjoyed celebrating National Teddy Bear Day with Rays of Sunshine.

“The power of play cannot be underestimated, and we’re proud to work with hospitals across the UK to spread a little sunshine with these bears. Days like National Teddy Bear Day and the joy they bring helps to create precious memories and smiles during difficult times in treatment.”

Find out more about the power of play.