Teddy does the trick  An initiative by Middlesex Freemasons has resulted in many distressed children who unfortunately have to visit the A & E and Paediatrics Department of their local hospital receiving a teddy bear to cuddle and keep. The results achieved by the furry friends are terrific. The scheme was launched successfully in early December 2005 at Central Middlesex Hospital, Park Royal. Now it also includes Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield; Hillingdon Hospital, Uxbridge; North Middlesex Hospital, Edmonton; Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow and West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth The “Teddies for Loving Care” scheme was originally launched just over three years ago at Southend General Hospital. Since then it has expanded rapidly and is now in operation at hospitals up and down the country, with no less that 30 provinces participating. Experience gained so far has indicated that the scheme has greatly assisted doctors, nurses and other medical staff in a variety of ways. As well as helping to take the child’s mind off their condition and the strange surroundings of the hospital, the teddies are used by medical staff to demonstrate to their small patients what is going to be done to make them better. They are also a reward for being brave when undergoing painful procedures. You can support “Teddies for Loving Care” by buying lapel pins for £3 each, two for £5. A fiver will also buy you a leather key fob, or you can buy a complete package for £10 - which will fund teddies for 10 children. The scheme is aimed primarily at individuals, although Lodges, Chapters, other Masonic orders and clubs have all made donations. There are also substantial sales from behind the bar at Cole Court, Harrow, Southgate, Staines and Uxbridge. To date more than 2,500 teddies have been donated through the six Middlesex hospitals.