Story
<p><strong>Kerstin and Hugs<br /></strong>A few weeks ago, Freddie went to visit Kerstin and brought her a bear called Hugs. Hugs is usually given to children undergoing cancer treatement, and Kerstin was quite taken with him and what he does. He stayed with her for the final weeks of her life, and Kerstin talked about him often. She thought he must be a cheering comfort to children in hospital, as he was to her. That is why we are collecting money to buy more bears in her name, and we'll send them to children in hopsital and hospices this Christmas.<br /><br /><strong>More about Kerstin<br /></strong>She had a unbridled passion for life, and always had an outrageous and exciting plan up her sleeve. She loved anyone or anything who she thought needed help. This ranged from animals to people, and she gave away much of what she had to help others to be more comfortable and content.<br /><br />She was an ever loving mother to Helene and Freddie, and did all she could to ensure they were happy and ready to take on life, with or without her. <br /><br /><strong>More about Hugs<br /></strong>Three times a year, hopsitals and hospices contact the Cancer Recovery Foundation to ask for 'gift bags' for the children on their wards undergoing treatment for cancer. These bags contain books, puzzles and toys that the children can play with to keep busy while they are in the hospital and away from family and friends.</p>
<p>These toys are particularly important becuase they are used by play therapists, help children in hopsices and their families to build some happy memories, and enable the children to interact with each other. They offer hope and respite to every child they go to, many whose parents have had to give up work and are no longer able to buy gifts themselves.</p>
<p>Hugs is the feature in the gift bags. Like many of the children, he has lost his hair and wears a bandana over his head. He is soft, cuddly and the mascot for Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation.<br /><br /><strong>Where will the money go?<br /></strong>Kerstin's daughter-in-law Hannah runs Cancer Recovery Foundation where the money will be going. She will ensure the funds are ring-fenced. The charity needs a new stock of bears, and all monies raised will go towards these in time for Christmas. </p>
<p>If you are a UK tax payer, please make sure that you let us know, so that we can collect an extra 25p for every £1 that you donate through Gift Aid.</p>