James the SSAFA Teddy Bear by Merrythought - 25cm

This delightful teddy bear has been created in Merrythought's 90th year to raise essential funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. SSAFA, have been providing lifelong support to the Armed Forces, veterans and their families since 1885.

At the outbreak of the First World War, the Government called on SSAFA to take care of the families of soldiers going to the Front; providing food for the hungry, housing for the homeless and clothing for those that were destitute. James is an endearing tribute to those that made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives and the SSAFA volunteers who helped over one million people between 1914 and 1918. As the UK's oldest tri-service military charity, SSAFA continues to offer support to over 80,000 people every year. 

Every James teddy bear sold will include a donation of at least £12.50 in support of SSAFA and help them to continue their vital work.

James is crafted from the finest sandy gold coloured mohair and has wool felt feet. He wears an exclusively designed, traditionally woven, pure wool tweed scarf in SSAFA's distinctive red and blue logo colours around his neck and he has a charming hand embroidered nose.  

He is individually numbered as part of a limited edition of 1,885 pieces (SSAFA's founding year) and comes in a luxury cotton bag featuring the SSAFA logo.

• Size: 25cm / 10 inches
• 5-way jointed
• Age: 3+ (remove all accessories, ribbons and labels before giving to a child aged below this age)
• Surface washable

Merrythought has been hand-making the quintessential English teddy bear in the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, Shropshire, since 1930 and is now the last remaining British teddy bear manufacturer. The company is a fourth generation family business founded by Mr W.G Holmes. Famous for crafting the finest, jointed, mohair teddy bears adored by children and adults across the world; every one of their enchanting bears is lovingly brought to life by hand, giving them a unique character and superior quality that can last a lifetime. The range includes traditional and limited edition teddy bears, as well as their iconic Cheeky and Punkie bears. Merrythought teddy bears have universal appeal making them the perfect gift for christenings, weddings or birthdays, as well as for collectors.