Bear naming competition winner announced!

We recently ran a competition to help us find a name for our new Kidney Care UK teddy bear. Over a hundred names were suggested, and our panel of expert judges helped narrow this down to a final nine that were voted by the public on social media.

Cuddly Kidley Didley (CKD for short) was the winner!

Valerie Lilley, 73 from Lowestoft, put forward the name. She told us: “Up until I was five we lived with my Nan and Granddad. I caught measles and was really poorly – after I’d recovered it left me with pains in my sides. After lots of doctors’ appointments I was eventually sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital where I stayed for many weeks. I was diagnosed with kidney problems, and the pain stayed with me. Whenever I was feeling really poorly my Nan would cuddle me and say ‘those naughty Kidley Didleys!’ The name always stuck and I still suffer with what I refer to as ‘headaches in my kidley didleys’. I was delighted to hear that my suggestion had been chosen as the winner. I actually collect bears and in the past I used to make them so my own little Cuddly Kidley Didley will be well looked after and very loved.”

Our judges included bestselling novelist Dame Jacqueline Wilson DBE FRSL, Kidney Care UK Chief Executive Paul Bristow, expert fundraiser (and brilliant big brother) Teddy, Advanced nurse practitioner at Evelina London Gráinne Walsh, and teddy bear and soft toy restorers, Julie and Amanda, also known as The Teddy Bear Ladies. Julie and Amanda are regular experts on the BBC’s The Repair Shop, and they shortlisted the name which then went to the public vote because when they were younger their mums always told them to keep their Kidley Didley’s warm.

They commented: “Being able to help bring precious memories to life again through the work we do restoring and repairing teddy bears is truly an honour. No matter how old or the condition there is always something we can do. Speaking to people about the memories that teddy bears have is such a wonderful gift, and knowing that children - and adults - often turn to toys and teddies at times when they need comfort really highlights how important they are in our lives. We were delighted to be asked to help judge Kidney Care UK’s competition; playing a part in helping create new memories and stories for children and families to tell, especially for the 1,000 children on dialysis in the UK, is something we absolutely wanted to be a part of and we are beyond thrilled to hear that Kidley Didley was the winning name.”

Money raised from the sales of the Cuddly Kidley Didley (CKD) Bear will help us raise funds to provide support, advice, counselling and financial help for kidney patients and their families across the UK (they will also be a big comfort to our kidney community too). Cuddly Kidley Didley (CKD) Bears are suitable from birth, and are available to buy in our online shop now.