An extra special delivery was made to University Hospital of North Tees in Sunday 7 September 2025 in the shape of a nine foot teddy bear.
We were privileged to welcome the fourth millionth TLC teddy bear to one of our hospitals. These bears can make a real difference to children and their families during what can be a worrying time.
– Stacey Hunter, Chief Executive Officer
As part of an annual charity bike ride by Durham Freemasons, the hospital welcomed almost 40 charity bike riders accompanied by the bear. The team finished their cycle from Hull, marking a huge milestone for the charity with the delivery of their fourth millionth teddy to a child in accident and emergency.
A landmark achievement
The Freemason charity – TLC have been delivering comfort bears to children in hospitals across England and Wales since 2001. Speaking about the donations, Stacey Hunter, chief executive officer for University Hospitals Tees, comprising North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts said ‘we were privileged to welcome the fourth millionth TLC teddy bear to one of our hospitals. These bears can make a real difference to children and their families during what can be a worrying time. It really is an honor for our staff and patients to be part of this landmark achievement’.
The charity bike ride raised an enormous £30,000 for the Durham based team. Speaking about their efforts, Mark Davies, TLC teddies co-ordinator for Durham Freemasons said ‘we are honoured to deliver the fourth millionth 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’