A HEREFORDSHIRE teen has been raising money on GoFundMe to help children with scoliosis feel “less alone” with a teddy to hug.

Caitlin Eacock, 15, from Tupsley started her GoFundMe page with the aim of rectifying the feeling of loneliness she felt as a scoliosis patient for many other children who are diagnosed. Caitlin felt so isolated “because I didn’t know anyone who was like me.

Caitlin wanted to deliver the bears to help alleviate loneliness for children with scoliosis Caitlin wants to donate the bears to help alleviate loneliness for children with scoliosis (Image: Caitlin Eacock)

“I want to help others feel less alone and more loved, and so they know other people are going through something similar.”

Caitlin’s kind efforts have so far raised £1,055, exceeding her humble original target of £800 by a long way. You can still donate to Caitlin’s cause via her GoFundMe page now.

Funded by her generous donations, Caitlin will be delivering her bears to the Oswestry Hospital throughout the year. The children who receive them will be “extremely comforted” to know that people do understand what they’re going through, instead of feeling “scared and overwhelmed,” Caitlin said.

Caitlin's army of hero Higgy Bears, ready to give happiness to those who need it most.Caitlin's army of hero Higgy Bears, ready to give happiness to those who need it most (Image: Caitlin Eacock)

According to the NHS website, “scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15.” Speaking about her scoliosis diagnosis, Caitlin found out “in 2021, but the whole process of getting seen by the hospital and getting surgery took 3 years.”

When the first 50 ‘Higgy bears’ recently arrived on Caitlin’s doorstep, she took to GoFundMe to express how entirely “blown away” she was by the immense kindness of others. In giving to her cause, their generosity was making a huge difference.

Higgy Bears are specially designed to comfort scoliosis patientsHiggy Bears are specially designed to comfort scoliosis patients (Image: Caitlin Eacock)

“To the people that have supported my journey - my parents, family, friends, schoolteachers and even strangers on the internet, I want to thank you all, and especially those who have supported me by donating to this cause, as I wouldn’t be here without you!”

Caitlin asks people to spread the word about her campaign to anyone with scoliosis or a spinal fusion; she would love nothing more than to give them a teddy bear.