Teddy’s marvellous makeover

For Diane, who lives at Newstead Grand Care Community in Brisbane, Teddy has been a lifelong companion. Given to her by her father when she was just one year old, Teddy has been by Diane’s side for 84 years; bearing witness to events like her first day of school, to teacher’s college and her wedding. He proudly accompanied Diane from England to Australia, and to life at our Care Community.

“As an only child, Teddy was my best friend and my little brother,” said Diane. “He’s been loved so much. I remember when we went on the Norfolk Broad (a canal) my Mum made him a sailor suit. He looked so smart, he’s still wearing it today. Over the years, Mum had to patch him up several times because our adventures sometimes got a bit rough!”

After such an active life, Teddy was showing some wear and tear (scroll down to see), and it was Diane’s wish to have him restored so he could stay by her side for years to come.

When wellbeing manager Tracey learned about Diane’s wish, she got to work with empathy, care, and an eye for the small but important details that were a part of Teddy’s personality and sparked special memories for Diane.

A makeover befitting a grand bear

“I was apprehensive about Teddy going away,” said Diane. “But I knew it was going to be an amazing day when he came home.”

And his makeover was an amazing experience for Teddy too. He enjoyed a good soak and joint and body treatment with his original hay stuffing replaced. The material from his paw pads was used to mend holes in his shirt. His head was completely remade, with his eyes finding new life as buttons for his shirt. And there was a surprise in store – years earlier, Diane had tied a thin ribbon around Teddy’s neck which was lost. At his restoration, the ribbon was discovered under Teddy’s bandana and turned into a bracelet.

“It was such a special day when Teddy came home,” said Tracey. “Diane was very emotional and happy. She kept stroking him and crying and saying ‘I didn’t know if I’d recognise you but I do.’ It was lovely to be able to grant Diane’s wish. She handed Teddy over for restoration with such trepidation and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.”

To make the reunion even sweeter for Diane, her son Andrew was there for the moment Teddy returned.

Pictured top: Tracey, Diane with a revitalised Teddy, Andrew

Pictured below: Diane with Teddy before his marvellous restoration.