For a poorly child, an admission to a hospital’s Accident and Emergency can be a scary experience. Being ill and taken to a strange environment can be most distressing. A room full of strangers and intimidating equipment. Yet a simple toy can bring comfort and calm a child down, a small Teddy Bear.
Over the last 10 years or so, Teddies for Loving Care, a charity supported by Masons, has provided over 40,000 Teddy Bears to the A&E Departments at Preston and Chorley Hospitals. These Teddy Bears, all sealed to ensure there is no risk of contamination, are given free to any child in distress on arrival at A&E. They are theirs to keep, not only for the duration of their hospital stay, but forever.
Earlier in the year, The Preston Masters at Preston Masonic Hall, held a Ball to celebrate 80 years of Freemasons meeting on the Saul Street location. This was a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for TLC. The Masters have now donated £1,000 to this magnificent charity, one that makes a real difference.
Mike Knowles and Bob Olive, who look after TLC in the Preston area, came down to Preston Masonic Hall to receive the cheque from the Preston Masters. They even brought some Teddy Bears for the team to hug!