Shortly after taking on the role of Chairman of the TLC Essex Appeal, I received a call from our Treasurer, Ian, who had picked up something unusual in the figures. As someone who keeps a close eye on teddy distribution across our supported hospitals, he was surprised to see that by mid-year, Queen’s Hospital in Romford had already requested their usual full year’s supply of TLC bears.

Naturally, we looked into it—and what we discovered was truly heartening.

The reason behind the surge? A remarkable Play Specialist named Abbi Spurdle, working in the Children’s Emergency Unit. Abbi is a passionate advocate of the TLC Essex bears and, recognising their power to comfort distressed children in A&E, she began encouraging her colleagues to offer a teddy whenever it was appropriate. As a result, more children than ever were receiving the reassurance and calm that our teddies bring in moments of fear and uncertainty.

This is exactly the kind of impact we dream of—and now proudly refer to as “The Abbi Spurdle Effect.”

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Abbi and the wider team in person to say thank you and to present her with a TLC Essex Supporters Certificate, in recognition of her dedication and belief in what these bears can do.

Abbi has shown just how much of a difference one person can make—and we’re incredibly grateful. Thank you, Abbi.