Centre is ready, teddy, go to help Kirsty Appeal (From Warrington Guardian)

Centre is ready, teddy, go to help Kirsty Appeal

A GLAZEBURY garden centre delivered some festive cheer to raise money to Francis House Children's Hospice.

Bents Garden Centre handed over 50 of its teddy bears to Kirsty Howard who had agreed to deliver the furry friends into the welcoming arms of the many children who rely on the support and care offered at the hospice.

Bents launched the first Bents Bear in November 2002 and since then the centre has introduced a new bear each year.

The donation marks the start of Bents' commitment to Kirsty's charity, which will become its chosen charity for 2005.

Ron Bent, centre owner, said: "After hearing about Kirsty's aim to reach a target of £5million - a set figure which would secure the future of the hospice - we made the decision to focus all our fundraising activities for 2005 towards her charity.

"We were so taken with her bravery and tireless campaigning that we wanted to be able to help Kirsty reach her target.

"There are many other brave children all of whom are supported by the hospice so we thought the Bents bear would help bring a smile to their faces and we are delighted that Kirsty has agreed to make the special delivery."