Designability has taken delivery of an army of teddy bears thanks to a generous donation from the Somerset Freemasons’ Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) initiative.
The Bath-based charity, which provides Wizzybug powered wheelchairs to young children throughout the UK through its free loan scheme, took delivery of 100 bears which will be given to children at their Wizzybug collection appointments.
The bears were handed over by Somerset Freemasons TLC Scheme Coordinator Roger Penny and Head of Somerset Freemasons David Medlock during a tour of Designability’s new design and engineering workshop in Bath.
Chief Executive of Designability, Catharine Brown, said, “It’s not every day 100 teddy bears come through your door! We were delighted to accept this very generous donation from Teddies for Loving Care and the Somerset Freemasons which will bring even more joy to disabled children as they gain their first experience of independent movement with their very own Wizzybug. We’re looking forward to seeing the TLC co-pilots out and about!”
The Teddies for Loving Care initiative provides unique cuddly bears to hospitals for staff to give to young children. The work of TLC is funded through the generous donations of Freemasons, their families and supporters of the programme.
David Medlock said, “Designability does fantastic work with and for disabled people, designing products and solutions which have had an impact across the world. The Wizzybug is an iconic example of the charity’s work, bringing freedom and independence to children.”
Roger Penny added, “We are delighted to be able to provide these teddies for the children receiving their Wizzybugs and we hope they get a lot of pleasure from them.”
Children’s Occupational Therapist at Designability, Hannah Collis, said, “Every Wizzybug collection appointment is special. It’s a turning point in the lives of young children who otherwise would have little independent movement. I have seen first-hand the joy it brings, and to be able to give each child their own special TLC bear at each appointment helps us to build rapport and adds to the whole experience!”
The Wizzybug Loan Scheme, now in its 10th year, has provided powered Wizzybug wheelchairs for free to over 1,000 disabled children throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.
For more information visit the Designability website
Pictured: David Medlock (left) and Roger Penny present the teddy bears to Designability’s Chief Executive Catharine Brown.
