John Watts presents the 4 millionth bears to Zak (Picture: Keith Blundy)
The annual Charity Bike Ride by Durham Freemasons reached a remarkable milestone this year, with a very Special Delivery of the 4 millionth Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) bear to a child and members of A&E staff at North Tees General Hospital.
This unique teddy began its journey at the TLC Teddies HQ in London, personally collected by John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master for Freemasons in England and Wales, before travelling north to join the start of the charity ride.
The heartfelt delivery marked the conclusion of a 160-mile challenge completed by more than 40 riders and their support crew over three days. Starting from Hornsea in East Yorkshire and finishing in Stockton-on-Tees, the ride raised an additional £25,000 for the Durham TLC Teddies charity - taking the province’s fundraising total to over £240,000.
Gavin Rowell, Provincial Charity Steward for Durham Freemasons and organiser of the ride, said:
“Our efforts this year add to the circa £10 million raised nationally by Freemasons since TLC Teddies was launched in 2001 in Essex. It’s inspiring to see how something so small can have such a huge impact on children attending A&E.”
Since 2007, Durham Freemasons alone have donated 120,000 TLC Teddies to hospitals across the region. These bears bring comfort to children attending A&E departments, helping to reduce shock and anxiety during difficult moments.
Mark Davies, Durham Freemasons Coordinator for TLC Teddies, added:
“We are honoured to deliver the 4 millionth TLC Teddy here in our region. The Teddies are something Freemasons are especially proud of, as they make a big difference to the children who receive them by ‘turning tears into smiles’ at a difficult time.”
Stacey Hunter, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Tees, said:
“We are privileged to welcome the 4 millionth TLC Teddy to North Tees Hospital. These bears make a real difference to children and families during what can be a very worrying time, and it is an honour for our hospital to be part of such a landmark moment in this wonderful charity’s journey.”
Among those taking part in the ride was John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master for Freemasons in England and Wales. He said:
“We are immensely proud of the work carried out across our Province and beyond. TLC Teddies provide not only comfort for children, but also vital reassurance for families and healthcare staff, enabling doctors and nurses to focus on treatment.”
The TLC initiative is entirely funded through donations from Freemasons and their families. In addition to financial support, many Freemasons volunteer countless hours each year to deliver bears to hospitals, fundraise, and promote awareness.
On hand to welcome the riders and receive the 4 millionth Teddy were Stacey Hunter, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Tees, and John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons.
