When eight-year-old Abbie from Durham was undergoing intensive cancer treatment, a special warmable ‘Cuddles for Christmas’ bear from Cancer Support UK brought her comfort, warmth and moments of happiness during long hospital stays.
Now, the charity is calling on the public to help bring that same comfort and joy to 1,200 children affected by cancer this Christmas, offering a little extra warmth and reassurance when they need it most.
At just eight years old, Abbie's life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in January 2025.
Over the following months, she underwent an intensive 80-day course of chemotherapy, followed by high-dose chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, proton beam therapy and five months of immunotherapy. The treatment left her facing long hospital stays, weeks in isolation and significant discomfort.
During one of the most challenging periods of her treatment, Abbie received a Warmies® bear through Cancer Support UK's ‘Cuddles for Christmas’ campaign. As she struggled with pain and sleepless nights, the warmable sensory bear became a source of comfort and reassurance.
"Abbie was having tummy pain from the chemotherapy," said her mum, Linzi. "The nurses would warm up the bear and place it on her tummy, and she was able to fall asleep. It brought her so much comfort.”
"More than that, the teddy's unexpected arrival took her mind off what was happening, which was so important. It's lovely that there are people who think of children like Abbie undergoing cancer treatment. They brought comfort to us all."
Following months of treatment, Abbie was told she was in remission in March 2026.
Now, she is sharing her story to support Cancer Support UK's ‘Cuddles for Christmas’ appeal, which aims to raise enough funds to provide 1,200 warmable bears to children receiving cancer treatment in hospitals across the UK this Christmas.
The Warmies® sensory bears are gifted to children undergoing treatment and can be warmed to provide comfort during hospital stays and difficult nights away from home.
Cancer Support UK hopes Abbie's story will inspire people to support the appeal and help ensure more children facing cancer receive the same comfort she experienced.
To donate and help fund a Cuddles bear for a child affected by cancer this Christmas, visit: https://cancersupportuk.org/support-us/christmas-cuddles-2026/
Mark Guymer, Chief Executive of Cancer Support UK, said:
"A cancer diagnosis can turn a child's world upside down. Long hospital stays, painful treatments and time away from family and friends can be incredibly difficult. A Cuddles bear may seem like a small gift, but for children facing cancer it can provide warmth and comfort during some of their toughest moments.”
"This Christmas, we're aiming to fund 1,200 bears for children affected by cancer and we hope you will support us to help us bring comfort to children like Abbie."
Donations will help provide Warmies® bears to children receiving cancer treatment in hospitals across the UK this Christmas.
To support the ‘Cuddles for Christmas’ Appeal, visit: https://cancersupportuk.org/support-us/christmas-cuddles-2026/
Why this ‘Cuddles for Christmas’ Appeal matters:
Each year in the UK, approximately 4,200 children and young adults are diagnosed with cancer. Among these, around 1,900 cases are childhood cancers, which span across 76 different types categorised into 12 main groups.
For many children affected by cancer, Christmas can be spent in hospitals, attending appointments or recovering from treatment rather than celebrating at home with loved ones.
Cancer Support UK's ‘Cuddles for Christmas’ appeal aims to bring a little comfort and warmth to 1,200 children by gifting a Warmies® bear. As Abbie's story shows, a simple teddy can make a difference during some of a child's most difficult days.
