CHILDREN across Salisbury are being invited to take their favourite teddy to school this summer – all to help families facing life-changing challenges.

Julia’s House Children’s Hospice will launch its annual Big Teddy Takeover, a fun fundraising campaign encouraging schools, nurseries and community groups to bring in a cuddly toy and donate £1 during Children’s Hospice Week (June 15–21).

Last year, more than 30 groups took part, raising around £6,000 – enough to fund six weeks of vital respite care for seriously ill children.

The campaign supports people like five-year-old Wilf and his family from Salisbury.

Wilf was born profoundly deaf and began having severe seizures aged just five months old.

Doctors have never been able to diagnose his complex needs, adding further worry and uncertainty.

Despite this, Wilf is described by his mum Abbie as “a very happy little boy”.

At Julia’s House, Wilf enjoys one-to-one play and relaxing in the sensory room where his nurses and carers give him the time and attention he loves.

Meanwhile Abbie gets a rare chance to rest, catch up on everyday tasks or spend time with his twin brother Rupert.

She said, “Having those Julia’s House respite sessions to look forward to in the middle of the week is so good for my mental and emotional health.

“It is about giving you time to yourself, time to reset, and do things that make you feel not like a carer all the time.”

This year, the charity hopes even more Salisbury schools and families will get involved.

Claudia Hazelton, fundraiser at Julia’s House, said: “The Big Teddy Takeover is a simple idea and lots of fun.”

She added that participants can make it even more ‘paw-some’ with activities like teddy bear picnics, bake sales or dressing up in onesies and slippers.

Sign up for Julia’s House Big Teddy Takeover and make a difference this Children’s Hospice Week.

Julia’s House provides specialist care and support for children with life-limiting conditions across Wiltshire and Dorset – but relies heavily on fundraising, with just 8% of its funding coming from government.

Claudia added: “As a charity, our costs are increasing along with the demand for our critical care.”

Now, organisers hope Salisbury will once again rally behind the cause – one teddy at a time.

Sign up to take part in the Big Teddy Takeover at www.juliashouse.org/bear or email community@juliashouse.org

Be sure to send us your photos from the day to newsdesk@salisburyandavon.co.uk