Teddy Bears for Hospital Children's Ward

Photocall
Date: Thursday, December 16, 2004
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Children¹s Ward at West Suffolk Hospital

The children's ward at West Suffolk Hospital will welcome some very special visitors on Thursday ­ teddy bears that have been donated by housebuilders George Wimpey.

The 28 teddy bears have been sponsored by 40 business associates of George Wimpey, based in Etna Road, Bury St Edmunds, will be given out to children who will spend their Christmas in hospital. Another bigger bear will be given to the staff to raffle to raise money for the ward.

As well as the bears, George Wimpey will be presenting staff on the ward with £2,500.

Ward Manager Karen Higgins said: "This is a marvellous Christmas present for the ward. The children will love the teddy bears and we will spend the £2,500 on making the children¹s stay bearable. We would like to thank George Wimpey and their business associates for their very generous gift."

Lyn Curtis, Executive Secretary at George Wimpey, said: "The teddy bears will be given out to children who are on the ward over Christmas or who are admitted during the Christmas period. It's miserable being in hospital over Christmas and hopefully this will help cheer them up.

"This wouldn't have been possible without the tremendous generosity of our business associates and we thank each of them for their donations."

14 December 2004