A well-loved teddy bear with over 100 years of cuddles and memories has been lovingly restored, thanks to a touching wish granted by The Old Vicarage Care Home in partnership with Adept Care Homes’ Make a Wish program.
Ann, an 80-year-old resident at the Derbyshire home, recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of giving her treasured childhood bear a well-earned pampering. Originally her mother’s toy, this cherished teddy has been by Ann’s side for eight decades, dressed in hand-knitted clothes and steeped in family history.
After showing signs of age, including worn fur and loose stitching, Ann’s wish was to see her bear restored. The team arranged for a visit to a specialist teddy repair shop in Nottingham, where restoration experts gently cleaned, re-stitched, and revived the bear while preserving its sentimental details.
“It was just wonderful to see it being looked after again,” said Ann. “I never imagined I’d be able to give him this kind of care after all these years. It brought back so many memories of my mum.”
The restoration process wasn’t just about the bear—it was a deeply emotional experience for Ann, the care team, and fellow residents. Staff watched on with pride as Ann beamed with joy seeing her old friend returned to his former glory.
Jordele Folkes, Home Manager at The Old Vicarage, shared:
“This was one of the most meaningful wishes we’ve had the honour of granting. The bear is more than a toy—it’s a thread that connects generations of love in Ann’s life. To help restore that connection was incredibly special for all of us.”
The story has touched hearts across the home’s community, with updates and photos shared on social media capturing the journey from worn to wonderful. The home plans to showcase the restored teddy in a special memory display before he returns to his rightful spot beside Ann.
This beautiful story reminds us that it’s never too late to honour the treasures of the past — and that a little care can go a long way in making memories shine once more.
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