Teddies have been renowned for their therapeutic and comforting properties for years, something that collector Amelia Taylor from Leeds, West Yorkshire can happily testify to. “I am 30 years old and so is the oldest member and chief bear of my hug, Little Ted. He's been my closest friend and companion all through my life and I'm very grateful for all his support,” she smiles.

In fact it was Little Ted who provided Amelia with the greatest support during the most challenging period in her life. “Around eight years ago I began to suffer from mental health problems and because of them I had to give up working as a nurse,” she explains. “It was a very difficult time for me, as you can imagine. However I could always rely on Little Ted, who didn't judge me and gave me lots of hugs and encouragement. It really meant a lot to think that he understood and was on my side, no matter what.”

Happier Times
Since then, things have gotten much better for Amelia, with her steadfast friend by her side. “Over the last couple of years I've made a significant recovery,” she smiles. “I'm now married and have a part-time job that I enjoy. A significant part of my recovery has been thanks to teddies! My husband Adrian bought me a beautiful Steiff bear with a growler, named Albert. He's a very wise bruin and keeps the rest of my hug in line. Since Albert came to live with us, teddies seem to keep arriving, looking for a new home.”

Amelia continues, “The most exciting arrival was Percy, a Merrythought Cheeky bear. I love Cheekies and wanted one for a long time. Eventually I'd saved up enough money so Adrian and I piled into the car and drove over 60 miles to my favourite teddy shop, 90 Percent Bear and Collectable Toys in Pickering, North Yorkshire. I like it there because there are no glass cabinets or high shelves, so you can pick up all the teddies and have a cuddle. And so it was that we got Percy; he's settled in very well and I love him to bits!”

Bears Everywhere!
As arctophiles will know, it can be a problem finding space to keep all your hugsters as their numbers increase, but Amelia has come up with a brilliant solution. “I started by displaying my bruins in a small basket but as the hug grew bigger, I had to keep buying larger replacements,” she reveals. “Then I had a great idea and bought a big wicker dog basket. With its low sides, all the bears can see out and they look very cosy in there. I have to admit that they are now taking over every room in the house, but luckily Adrian doesn't mind and it makes our home a friendly place to be.”

“I spend all my time thinking about teddies. Not only do I collect them, I go to bear fairs, read books and magazines about them and even make my own,” Amelia says. “I feel that teddies are filled with love which they freely impart to anyone who'll let them. They have real feel-good powers. All my bears are special to me, not only because they are so gorgeous but also because they represent a turn-around in my life and happier times.”

Collectors' Notes
If you would like to be our Collector of the Month or nominate a fellow arctophile, simply write to us telling us about your or your friend's collection. Mark your envelope 'Collector of the Month' and send it to Teddy Bear Club International, 25 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2
8JY.