Frontline hero bears made by Banff woman (80) bring joy during tough times
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A Banff woman is marking her 80th year by crocheting frontline hero bears to raise money for local health and care services.
Pam Maclennan-Brown started making the bears when she celebrated her birthday at the start of lockdown.
For her it proved to be a distraction from the difficult times the coronavirus pandemic has caused.
Since then she has created a variety of workers including nurses, paramedics, care assistants and lifeboat volunteers.
She said: "I started them when I had my 80th birthday at the beginning of lockdown and needed a distraction from all the bad news.
"I put the completed bears in my cottage window with details of how to order them. It was great to see people’s smiles as they passed by and I received most of my orders that way.
"The bears I have made include paramedics, therapists, drivers, cleaners, nurses, lab assistants, shop workers, a surgeon, care assistants, lifeboat volunteers, one in baby colours for an expectant mum, and I am in the process of doing two Christmas bears.
"I make them for £5 each, £3 for NHS staff, and can create them in almost any uniform colours on request."
Pam downloaded the pattern for the bears from the Facebook page Yarn It, Darn It.
Although most of her orders have been local, they have been sent as far afield as Shetland, Devon, London and several places in between.
She added: "My aim is to raise £500 before Christmas, with the total so far at £320. I am looking to donate the money to health and care services in the local area.
"I know that some people have received them as gifts to boost their morale while working in very stressful times.
"I have received some very lovely comments from people who have been cheered up by them.
"Hopefully they will bring a smile to a few more faces as we struggle through a winter of uncertainty."
Orders for the bears can be placed with Pam by email at peg2mac@btinternet.com
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