Schools, nurseries and community groups across the region are being invited to take part in a fun and meaningful fundraising event for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.
The charity’s Big Teddy Takeover is returning this June, encouraging children and adults to bring a favourite soft toy into school, work or their community group, along with a £1 donation.
The campaign will coincide with Children’s Hospice Week, which takes place from 15 to 21 June.
Last year, more than 30 schools and groups got involved, raising around £6,000 for local families supported by the hospice. That total funded the equivalent of six full weeks of essential respite care for a child with a life-limiting and complex condition.
Julia’s House is hoping even more schools, nurseries, businesses and community groups will sign up this year.
Claudia Hazelton, fundraiser at Julia’s House, said, “The Big Teddy Takeover is a simple idea and lots of fun. Children and adults are invited to bring in a cuddly toy and a £1 donation for Julia’s House on a day of their choice in June.”
She added, “If they’d like to make their Big Teddy Takeover even more paw-some, they could add onesies and slippers, book and bake sales, teddy bear picnics, teddy-themed activities and more.”
Supporting families when they need it most
Julia’s House supports children with life-limiting and complex conditions across Wiltshire and Dorset, offering specialist care alongside vital emotional support for families.
For families like five-year-old Wilf’s, that support is life-changing.
Wilf, from Wiltshire, enjoys one-to-one play sessions, time in the sensory room and dedicated care from nurses and carers at the hospice. While he is being looked after, his mum Abbie can rest, manage everyday tasks or spend precious time with his twin brother.
Abbie said, “Considering everything he faces, he’s a very happy little boy.”
She added, “Having those Julia’s House respite sessions to look forward to in the middle of the week is so good for my mental and emotional health. It is about giving you time to yourself, time to reset, and do things that make you feel not like a carer all the time.”
The charity also supports siblings through dedicated events, helping them connect with others who understand life with a seriously ill brother or sister.
A vital service funded by the community
Julia’s House provides its care free of charge, but relies heavily on fundraising and donations. It receives just 8% of its ongoing funding from the government.
Claudia said, “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.”
The Big Teddy Takeover is sponsored by Bournemouth Water.
Families, schools and organisations can sign up to take part via the Julia’s House website or by emailing email hidden; JavaScript is required.
