Schoolgirl, 9, collects 4,000 teddies

Stockeld Park raided its grotto to gift 3,000 teddy bears to Maggie’s mission for the Teddy Trust.

Schoolgirl Maggie Snodgrass heard about the Teddy Trust, a small charity that donates teddy bears to children in war torn countries, from her mum, Lyndsay Snodgrass.

Lyndsay said: “When I told Maggie about it, she was inspired to start a collection of teddies to donate.

“Originally, she thought that she might get 20 or so teddies from her friends.

“She asked me if I could put something on social media to appeal to the people of Harrogate, and her ambitions grew to 1,000 after enlisting the help of local estate agents Verity Frearson.

“Then Stockeld Park contacted us saying they heard about Maggie’s Appeal and wanted to donate 3,000 teddies! Maggie was speechless.

“Her collection is now around 4,000. We’re slightly daunted as the bears will take over our home as we sort, pack and deliver them to the Teddy Trust.”

Darren Smith, Events and Entertainment Manager at Stockeld Park, said: “We heard young Maggie’s aim was to reach 1,000 so we were thrilled to help her smash that target.

“As a family attraction, we were all bowled over by young Maggie. Running a busy Santa’s grotto every year, you see how young children’s eyes light up - teddies are a gift of comfort and love.

“Donating a teddy to cuddle to over 4,000 children in dire circumstances is a commendable act of kindness and care by Maggie.”

The Teddy Trust has sent teddies donated by UK children to Syria, Kenya and Malawi.