An eight-year-old has been pictured with a yellow teddy she was presented with seven years ago.

Willow O'Hanlon was gifted the teddy after she taken into emergency care following an accident when she was just one.

During a return visit to the hospital for treatment she showed staff the same teddy, as a new set were being unboxed for children by ELHT&Me, the official charity of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mum Jessica said when Willow was a baby the family had gathered to celebrate her big brother Max's 18th birthday. 

She said: “As we presented Max with the keys to his very own car, a sudden mishap occurred. Willow, in her eagerness, stumbled and collided with the sharp edge of a wall, right as Max triumphantly raised the car key for all to see.

“Amidst tears of joy over the car and shock at Willow's injury, we swiftly rushed her to urgent care. Despite the ordeal, Willow remained unfazed, earning admiration from the clinical staff for being such a happy toddler.

“With a smile never leaving her face, she allowed all the checks and received butterfly stitches with not a care in the world.”

“Her bravery was rewarded with a new companion - a beautiful yellow bear. She held on tightly to her newfound friend, sleeping with it every night for over a year and taking it everywhere we went - car journeys, holidays; it didn't leave her sight.

“Fast forward seven years and the yellow bear continues to be Willow's source of comfort and joy and she loves to tell everyone how she got it.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The family were at hospital as Willow, now aged 8, needed hospital treatment and the yellow bear joined her.

Jessica said: “Imagine her delight when she saw ELHT&Me unboxing a new load of brightly coloured bears for lots more children to enjoy. 

“She proudly ran to her bed to get her yellow friend to show the charity team and joined in the photo.

“I think it’s wonderful the hospital can provide these lovely little bears to children at a time of stress/worry/upset, they are such a great source of comfort, and bring so much joy to the children who receive them.”

Through fundraising initiatives and community support, the ELHT&Me charity strives to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.