A children's TV and panto star is calling on schools to take part in a charity event supporting a children's hospice charity.
Chris Jarvis is encouraging schools to take part in the Big Teddy Takeover for Julia’s House during National Children’s Hospice Week, from June 17 to 23.
The event invites children and teachers to take a cuddly toy to school along with a £1 donation for Julia’s House in June.
Mr Jarvis, a patron and active advocate of Julia’s House, frequently visits the charity's hospices to meet with families and read stories to the children.
During a recent visit, he was accompanied by Stuffy, a soft toy from his CBeebies programme, Show Me Show Me.
Mr Jarvis said: "Julia’s House continues to be the most precious sanctuary for our most remarkable young people and their families.
"Everything about the place is uplifting and inspiring; and everyone who works there brings enormous joy.
"However, funding all the amazing resources, activities and the building itself is no picnic, and that’s why we need to call in the teddy bears who make picnics truly awesome.
"Please get involved with your little ones. A little teddy can make a big difference.”
Julia’s House fundraiser, Claudia Hazelton, added: "The Big Teddy Takeover is a simple idea and lots of fun.
"And if they’d like to make their Big Teddy Takeover even bigger, they could add onesies and slippers, book and bake sales, teddy bear picnics, teddy-themed lessons and more."
Julia’s House provides care to the most seriously ill children and their families across Wiltshire and Dorset.
Its nurses and carers give care at families’ homes and at the charity’s hospice buildings in Devizes and Corfe Mullen.
Ms Hazelton added: "The children we care for all have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
"Our team of nurses and carers don’t just care for the seriously ill child, they also look after the children’s siblings, parents and grandparents too.
"We help them however we can, whether that’s with clinical care and respite support in the home or hospice, fun weekends away for sisters and brothers or complementary therapy and practical help for mums and dads."
The services Julia’s House provides are dependent on fundraising and donations.
The annual Children's Hospice Week aims to raise awareness and funds for palliative care services, helping to support children and families facing life-limiting conditions.
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