The furry and loveable mascot, sponsored by the Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, has become a very popular member of the Hospice team over the past 12 months, after he was introduced at last year’s Cambridge Roar.
Arthur Bear’s party took place in the Hospice’s day therapy lounge on Tuesday afternoon, with a guest list which included Hospice staff, volunteers, patients and visitors, as well as his friends and sponsors from Quy Mill Hotel. The cuddly 6ft bear reflected on highlights of the last twelve months which included attending his first ever collection at Sainsbury’s Coldham’s Lane, taking part in Bridge the Gap, helping on a stall at Metro Bank, enjoying Christmas festivities at Mill Road Winter Fair and visiting patients on the ward on Christmas Eve to sing carols. More recently Arthur dressed in top and tails for Afternoon Tea at Quy Mill, visited the wonderful children at Millington Road Nursery in Cambridge and in May helped at Star Shine Stroll, the Hospice’s annual charity memory walk.
Community Fundraiser Aisha Hunt was keen that the hospice had its own mascot. She says: “His name was easy to come up with of course and we’ve been delighted to see how popular he’s become. Mascots are present in a whole realm of environments from football clubs to banks and food chains to tourist attractions. The Hospice takes a very holistic approach to its care and whilst the patient remains of the utmost importance to our staff and volunteers, we recognise that relatives and friends require support too. It’s been lovely to see how well Arthur Bear has been received. He always creates conversation about the Hospice and raises smiles wherever he goes. We’re looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays to come!”
Arthur Bear was even a hot topic in the Hospice staff Away Days which were hosted last December. Staff felt Arthur was a great symbol of the gentle, compassionate nature of the care offered by the Hospice and such a response has been mirrored externally: he has helped the Hospice to engage with a broad network of individuals – young and old – and everybody has become very fond of Arthur.
In keeping with Birthday tradition, Arthur Bear received a fabulous huge Birthday cake courtesy of his friends at Quy Mill Hotel. As it was cut up and handed out, he shared a Birthday surprise: he is inviting people to become a Jam Jar Superstar! Simply email your name and address to fundraising@arhc.org.uk and Arthur Bear will respond by posting you a sheet of stickers and instructions on how you can become a Jam Jar Superstar and help raise funds for the Hospice. Typically an average Jam Jar will contain £30, an amount which could fund a counselling session for a patient & their loved ones. It’s the perfect way to help Arthur Bear celebrate his first birthday, so sign up today!
For more information about Arthur Bear, or if you would like to invite Arthur to your Hospice fundraiser visit www.arhc.org.uk/arhc-arthur-bear.asp or call 01223 723115.
___________________________________