Scrubs the Bear goes back to school

Youngsters across North East Lincolnshire have been welcoming a very special visitor into their schools.

Scrubs the Bear – the charity mascot for The Health Tree Foundation (HTF), the official charity of Grimsby hospital – has been out and about drumming up support for the DONG Energy Great Grimsby 10k and fun run.

He has visited more than 15 schools across North East Lincolnshire including East Ravendale Church of England Primary School, New Waltham Primary School and Elliston Primary Academy.

He has been spreading the word about the run as HTF has been chosen as the charity’s first charity partner and will receive a £1 from every race entry.

Lauren Alexander, HTF community champion, said: “Scrubs has been having great fun getting out and about meeting youngsters. As well as encouraging children to sign up for the fun run he has also been urging them to enter a fun run poster competition we have launched with the schools.”

She said the charity was delighted to have been chosen as the first charity partner for the event.

“Many people from Grimsby and the surrounding areas will have to visit the hospital at some point in their lives either as a patient or to visit a loved one. All of the money raised from the event will go towards our latest A&E 999 Appeal.”

The appeal is raising money to refurbish the relative’s room in A&E, purchase new toys for the children’s waiting area and a facelift for the outside courtyard.

David Arundell, A & E consultant at Grimsby Hospital said: “ I am taking part in the London Marathon in April to raise funds along with running the GY10K with Dr Ashaolu – we are an incredibly dedicated team in the A&E department and we can’t tell you how much we welcome the support of local schools!”

Richard Mottram, head teacher at East Ravendale C of E Primary School, said: “The children loved the visit by Scrubs the Bear. He had so many cuddles I'm sure he must have felt dizzy.

“There was a real buzz in the playground and I hope to see lots of children from the school entering the fun run.  We are a very active school with a hugely supportive community. I'm sure this community will get behind the fantastic work The Health Tree Foundation do to support our local hospitals.”

If you could like Scrubs the Bear to visit your school and would like to raise funds for HTF please get in touch with Lauren by emailing lauren.alexander@nhs.net or calling her on 03033 304514