A cuddle eases the stress! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A cuddle eases the stress!

7:27am Tuesday 27th May 2008 in

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Distressed youngsters needing treatment at a local accident and emergency department will find comfort in the arms of a furry friend thanks to a new charity appeal.

The Yorkshire West Riding branch of the Freemasons has chosen Airedale General Hospital to benefit from its Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) Appeal. The initiative from the Freemasons' charity provides teddy bears and soft toys to A&E departments throughout the UK. It allows medical staff to give distressed children a cuddly toy to help alleviate stress.

Around 22 per cent of all those treated in A&E in Airedale Hospital are under the age of 16.

Gavin Anderson, senior nurse in A&E at Airedale NHS Trust, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Freemasons have chosen our hospital to receive these teddies.

"They are going to be invaluable in helping our youngest patients cope."

Kevin Gould, of the Bradford-based Yorkshire West Riding Freemasons, said: "We are delighted to partner the hospital in this initiative and look forward to many years working together."