Bournemouth Water is supporting Julia’s House with their upcoming Big Teddy Takeover charity event to be held in schools during Children’s Hospice Week.
Julia’s House, the local children’s hospice for Wiltshire and Dorset, provides specialist care for children with life-limiting and complex conditions and supports their families – giving them all a chance to have the magical moments and memories every child and family deserves.
This year’s Children’s Hospice Week will take place from 15 to 21 June. Children are invited to bring their favourite cuddly toy into school on a day of their choice in June, along with a donation of £1 for the children’s hospice. Schools are encouraged to get involved and run other activities, like teddy bear picnics, cake sales, or book swaps to help raise vital funds for the charity.
Last year around £6,000 was raised for local families and this year Julia’s House is also encouraging adults to take part and to bring a cuddly toy into work to get more local businesses and community groups involved.
Bournemouth Water also helped to raise £2,485 for Julia’s House and their Great Tail Trail in 2025 by sponsoring a water-themed tail, designed by local artist Becky Dodd.
Money raised helps Julia’s House in their mission to reach more children and young people, and to provide them and their family with compassionate, flexible and bespoke care. Just £50 could help buy a giant bubble kit and arts and crafts for fun and games at the hospice, and £100 could pay for dedicated time with a sibling worker for the brother or sister of a seriously ill child, where they’re able to have some special time just for them.
Caroline Attreed, Julia's House Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We’re so grateful to Bournemouth Water for helping bring the Big Teddy Takeover to life. It’s a simple and fun way for schools, groups and workplaces to get involved and raise vital funds for Julia’s House families. But behind the teddies is a serious need – as demand for our care grows, so too does the need for funding to ensure we can be there for every child and family who relies on us.”
Jamie McDonald, Head of Billing and Recovery at Bournemouth Water, said: “Bournemouth Water are delighted to be continuing our well-established relationship with Julia’s House. We know the support provided by Julia’s House is invaluable and is always delivered with compassion and kindness. Bournemouth Water are proud to be involved with the Big Teddy Takeover, and we hope the event is the success it deserves to be. We look forward to seeing all the cuddly toys!”
Schools can find out more information and sign up for the Big Teddy Takeover on the Julia’s House website here: www.juliashouse.org/bear