
Our Memory Bear still brings us comfort – 22 years after we received it
Sarah’s family received one of our Memory Bears when her father-in-law was cared for by us.
“St Michael’s handed us a Memory Bear 22 years ago. He’s been part and parcel of our lives ever since. ‘Gran Gran Bear’ is a reminder to us all that love never fades.”
Sarah Woodward became a regular visitor to St Michael’s in 2002 when her father-in-law, Mike Woodward, received care from us.
“Mike had a brain tumour and was in and out of St Michael’s for about 11 months,” said Sarah.
“The care they gave him and ourselves, as a family, was just out of this world. Towards the end of his life, they even allowed us to put some beds together, so we could stay beside him through the night.”
Pictured below: Gran Gran Bear, Sarah's father-in-law Mike, and Sarah pictured with Gran Gran Bear
At the time, Sarah’s son was just two-and-a-half. He was offered a Memory Bear, which are given to our Inpatient Unit patients and those cared for at home, to be passed on to younger ones as a tangible memory of someone special.
‘Gran Gran Bear’ soon become an inseparable member of Sarah’s family, and remains so to this day.
“The Bear has accompanied us to Euro Disney on holiday, and many other places over the years,” added Sarah.
“My son treasured it – we all did. He’s been part and parcel of our lives, and a reminder to us all that love never fades.”
Sarah’s support for St Michael’s certainly hasn’t faded over the years. She has taken part in skydive, abseil and 10K challenges for us, and each year supports our Light up a Life campaign.
“It’s the least I do for St Michael’s for the care and compassion they showed my family,” added Sarah.
“Gran Gran Bear will always remind us of that.”