Mystery donor gifts 300 Bliss bears to Salisbury District

An anonymous donor has given 300 teddy bears to Salisbury District Hospital to make sure that every baby born premature or sick will have their own first bear.

The donor, who lives locally, purchased the bears from Bliss to also contribute towards the charity's vital work, and says: "My family, friends and colleagues have witnessed the miracle of taking home a premature baby after weeks or months of nurture and care by amazing neonatal staff. Supported by charities like Bliss they have been better able to cope as a family with the ups and downs of the journey together.

"It is only a tiny gesture, but I would love each premature and sick baby in the Salisbury neonatal unit this year to have their own little teddy, always there to hug, and to show them that there are often people around them, sometimes unknown to them, who wish to bring them joy in life."

Geoffrey Dunning, Neonatal Clinical Lead, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, says: "The neonatal unit is incredibly grateful for this kind donation. This will mean that all the babies will have a bear as soon as they arrive on the unit, which will go some way to easing a very difficult and stressful time for our families."