If you have unfortunately had to take your little one to an accident and emergency unit in Essex, they may have been cheered up, by being given a teddy bear. Essex Freemasons have now provided 100,000 teddies to sick and injured children through Essex A&E units. Nationwide the number has reached a quarter of a million teddies, and the numbers continue to grow. It all started following an emergency visit to the A&E unit in Southend, by a man and his wife. He was so grateful for the help his wife received that he resolved to do something in return. He spoke to a few of his Masonic friends and soon the ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ scheme was born. It supplies colourful Teddy Bears to Accident and Emergency units throughout Essex. Medical staff use these to calm distressed children who are brought in for treatment. The scheme was launched in March 2001 in Essex, and during the first year of operation doctors and nurses in Essex A&E units gave away 20,000 teddies to sick and injured children on behalf of Essex Freemasons. During the second year it was nearer 25,000 teddies and the Essex based TLC Charity spread among the Masonic fraternity. It is now supplying teddies to 30 other counties across England and Wales. Each Masonic Province raises the money to provide Teddies in their own area. The teddies provide comfort to children when they are in discomfort and pain, and of course, when the little patient is discharged, Teddy goes home with them. | 
