Teddy bear maker recently affected by flooding fundraises for NHS during coronavirus outbreak

Britain’s oldest remaining teddy bear maker is supporting the NHS’ fight against the coronavirus by relaunching a specially-made fundraising bear.

Merrythought, the bear-maker, is based in Ironbridge. It had only recently been affected by flooding from the River Severn.

Now, it’s bringing back Bevan the Bear.

Bevan was originally made to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

He’s now been repurposed to help raise money for the NHS Charities Covid-19 Appeal and SATH, the company’s local Hospital Trust in Shropshire.

Bevan is just one of a collection of so-called ‘Blue Ribbon’ bears that had previously launched as part of the company’s campaign to support the NHS.

The Merrythought shop in Ironbridge has closed because of the government lockdown, but is still accepting orders online.

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