A dad from Morley, Leeds, has launched a new business making bespoke teddy bears for poorly children to help them feel better.
His teddy bears with health conditions have become an internet sensation amongst parents of vulnerable children and play therapists alike.
Nick Hardman, 37, works in industrial automation and likes to use his 3D printers in his spare time to create other objects on the side.
At the beginning of the pandemic, he used his 3D printers to produce 12,500 items of PPE to help stem the shortage that was seen across care homes and NHS hospitals.
Once supply began to level out for PPE, he then looked for a new project and came up with the idea to start making toys for sick children instead.
Soon after setting up his 3D Toy Shop, he received a request from a parent of a child with hydrocephalus to create them an accessible toy.
So, after doing some research and discovering the condition - in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid occurs within the brain, typically causing increased pressure and headaches - is often regulated with the use of a shunt valve, Nick set about doing just that.
The father of two designed and printed off a teddy-sized valve, then went about fitting it to the bear so that the child's toy would be just like them. After sharing it online, the post went viral - with over 68,000 commenting to praise his ingenuity.
That was in X. By October, he had over 100 requests for teddies with shunt valves - so set about getting the products tested to guarantee they were safe to be played with by the vulnerable children who wanted them.
He set up a fundraiser and found a lab to test his toys and plastics, refining the design to make sure it was compliant with toy standards before shipping the bears out to their new families.
Listed on Etsy, the shunt valve teddy bears have now been shipped right across the world to customers in far-flung countries like Australia and America.
Nick continues to take requests for accessible toys, and has gone on to create a bear with a tracheostomy valve and another with a Berlin Heart called Eddie the Teddy. 1.2-metre bear Eddie is destined for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he will be taken into the care of one lucky child.
Having received a lot of interest from hospitals and from play therapists seeking new ways to normalise disabilities for children, Hardman's ext plan is to set up a not-for-profit 3D printing business going forward with more machines to help him supply directly to hospitals.
News
Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
Georgina Pellant -
4th May 2021 
