Cuddly toy brand Warmies has linked up with Cancer Support UK to raise money for the charity’s work providing support to people with cancer.

Through the partnership young people are being invited to take part in a competition to design a new ‘Dream Bestie’ cuddly toy.

The winning design of an imaginary best friend for a new heatable, sensory cuddly toy will then be produced and marketed, with all profits going to the charity.

The winner will be chosen through a public vote next year and the competition is open to children aged 16 years or younger.

A shortlist will be announced on February 15, 2025 and the public vote will close on February 28, with the winner announced on March 7.

“We are pleased to be collaborating with Warmies on this important joint initiative,” said Cancer Support UK chief executive Mark Guymer.

“This will enable us to provide practical and emotional support to people living with and beyond cancer.”

“The festive season is a tough time for anyone undergoing treatment in hospital, let alone if you are a child being treated for cancer. This can mean multiple painful and invasive forms of vital medical intervention.

“This creative competition aims to brighten the lives of children with cancer, providing enjoyable distraction for them during treatment. It will give them a positive activity to focus on, as well as the hope that their imaginary best friend will be chosen and made real.”

Warmies chief executive David Tweedale added: “We are very excited to be partnering Cancer Support UK with this creative competition and we invite all parents of children with cancer to encourage their child to draw their imaginary best friend and to enter it in the competition.

“We are looking forward to bringing one child’s dreams to life.”

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