Cuddly Grief Bears are bringing comfort to children coping with bereavement.
Many of the woollen bears are knitted by East Cheshire Hospice volunteer Betty Malkin.
The Hospice supports bereaved children, or those with a close relative with a life-limiting illness.
Children choose their favourite six-inch bear colour and a personal message which is sewn into the back.
One is kept by the child and the other goes to those in their thoughts.
Betty, a great grandmother, said: “I’ve been making the bears for about two years and started off making just a few but it’s snowballed, especially during the pandemic when people couldn’t make Hospice visits.
“Making the bears gave me a sense of purpose during lockdown. I’ve been making crafts for the Hospice for five years and knit every day. Last winter I knitted Christmas puddings with Ferrero Rocher chocolate inside.”
Betty’s items are sold at Henry’s café, Prestbury, and Shine Hair and Beauty, Upton Priory, with proceeds going to the Hospice.
She is one of several craft volunteers, including Grief Bear makers, who generously give their time and skill to raise funds.
Volunteer Services Co-ordinator Helena Smith said: “Betty’s amazing work is an example of the dedication shown by our arts and crafts volunteers.
“We were inundated when we appealed for volunteers last summer when we thought it’d be a nice gift for people who were unable to visit the ward.”
Children’s counsellor Jane Burton said: “The bears are popular with families in grief therapy and demand has grown in both the inpatient and outpatient units. Children have adapted them to suit their own ideas for individual therapeutic needs.”
Betty Malkin with her latest delivery of Grief Bears for East Cheshire Hospice.