Families supported by Bluebell Wood are sending out a big cuddly thank you to a Sheffield company which has put smiles on their faces for the past three years with its heartwarming ‘hugs in boxes’.

Since 2018, children and families supported by the charity have regularly found uplifting surprises in the post after being nominated by a loved one.

The gift hampers – which are designed, packaged and sent by social enterprise BearHugs - are tailored to the individual and contain comforting UK-made treats along with a touching personalised message.

Over the three year partnership, an astonishing 460 boxes have been sent to families free of charge -  some to children and others to parents, carers, grandparents and siblings. BearHugs generosity, which includes 100 bespoke boxes sent to bereaved families as part of the charity’s Remembering Day, are  worth a combined total of £7,200.

Entrepreneur Faye Savory came up with the BearHugs concept after receiving a moving parcel of treats from a friend while she was seriously ill with Lyme Disease. Now known as the ‘Chief Sender of  Hugs’, Faye has always considered it as more of a calling than a job.

“As a Sheffield-based social enterprise it’s been an absolute privilege to partner with such a wonderful local charity and we’ve very much enjoyed spreading some joy among the inspirational families who visit the hospice,” said Faye, from Walkley.

“We’re very proud to have been able to support Bluebell Wood’s incredible, life-changing work in our own small way.”

Lucas Fletcher, 5, who’s been supported by Bluebell Wood since 2017, is one of the many children who were over the moon to receive a surprise in the most. While it may have been addressed to his dad, Rob Fletcher, it didn’t stop him lending a hand.

“We nominated Lucas’ dad but we didn’t tell him so it was a complete surprise when it came through the post,” said mum Jodie Bryan, from Dinnington.

“Lucas was even more excited than Rob to open it so he made sure he had plenty of help!

“Rob loved it though when he got a look-in and was a very welcome surprise for him. It was full of things that’d he’d probably never go out and buy for himself and he really enjoyed it. A big thank you to Bear Hugs for putting smiles on our faces.”

Georgina, the Hug Donation manager at Bear Hugs, is the person in charge of personalizing each gift box for Bluebell Wood families.

"Sending Hugs to Bluebell Wood families over the past three years has been an absolute joy,” she said.

“The families supported by Bluebell Wood are all going through such a lot, and the opportunity to try to raise a smile and send a hug through the post to them to brighten their days has just been wonderful.

“I truly loved spending time thinking about the kinds of treats each individual might enjoy, reading the reasons their friends and loved ones have nominated them, and creating a unique and personalised gift for each and every one.”

Emma Doughty, Head of Family Support at Bluebell Wood, said: “We really can’t thank Bear Hugs enough for their support, kindness and generosity over the past three years.

“We’ve had such fantastic feedback from the families in our care who have been delighted to receive such wonderful and thoughtful surprises in the post.

“The families we support are often going through the toughest times you can imagine so I really can’t overstate what a difference Bear Hugs’ kindness has made to them.”