Ernie’s Angels donates Medi Teddys to PEH
LOCAL charity Ernie’s Angels has donated Medi Teddys to the hospital to comfort children who are undergoing hospital treatment.
Medi Teddys hide intravenous bags containing blood or medicine to make them less frightening to children in hospital. Ernie’s Angels donated 20 plush Medi Teddys, which children can take home with them, and six silicone ones which can be reused for different children.
‘This can make a difference to children who have to come to hospital a lot – hospital is a scary place and so this is something familiar they can get comfort from,’ said Frossard Ward manager Lori Nancarrow.
‘This can become part of their treatment journey. We’re really grateful.’
The charity was founded in memory of 12-year-old Ernie Backlund-Leale, who died of leukaemia in 2017.
His friend Xavi Geall, 9, said he enjoyed volunteering for the charity because it raised money for a good cause and made a difference to people.
‘When young children have to do something which would help them but they don’t want to do, if a Medi Teddy was there it would make them happy.
‘It’s really nice to see people who get given something, try a game, or buy something from the shop because everyone enjoys it and it makes them happy.’
He added that he also helped in the shop in school holidays and liked volunteering at the West Show.
Ernie’s mum Clare Backlund-Leale said she was pleased to be able to donate the Medi Teddys.
‘The main aim of Ernie’s Angels remains always to offer local families financial assistance with palliative care costs and funeral expenses for their children,’ she added.
‘However, where possible we support extra projects such as the Giggle Doctors Guernsey programme on Frossard Ward and this donation of Medi Teddys.’
She said Xavi and his cousin Daisy support Ernie’s Angels regularly at events.
‘They will be helping to man our tombola stall at the Round Table Christmas Fayre on Sunday 21 November at Beau Sejour.’
