Meet Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s mascot Dr Ted

The life-size teddy will represent the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s children’s appeal.

Barry Mellor, chair of the charitable funds committee said that it had been “a real labour of love” bringing Dr Ted to life.

“We wanted a friendly, cheerful, colourful and fun mascot who would instantly make patients of all ages smile and feel more comfortable during their hospital stay — and from the wonderful reactions received so far, I think we’ve achieved that,” Mr Mellor added.

Dr Ted, who was designed by the charity and Rainbow Productions, made his first public appearance at a bake sale in the hospital earlier this month and helped boost the outgoing charity appeal of the outgoing Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Alan Buckley, by more than £500.

Cllr Alan Buckley said: “Dr Ted is fantastic, especially his dance moves.

“We hope he will raise a smile amongst children and adults alike and inspire more people than ever before to raise much needed funds for the NHS charity.”

The hospital charity has raised £80,500 since it was set up in April 2012.

Money raised has funded games and sensory toys, child friendly wheelchairs, a magician and monitors for the special care baby unit.

You can support the Dr Ted children’s appeal online via www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/rhcgc/drted.