Children receiving a scoliosis diagnosis at The James Cook University Hospital will now be given a special teddy bear thanks to a seven-year-old from School Aycliffe.
Like many children facing a scoliosis diagnosis, Arden Borsberry found it difficult to picture what life with a brace would look like.
Determined to turn her own experience into something positive, Arden dedicated herself to fundraising for other children starting the same journey.
Her efforts raised over £760, allowing her to purchase 85 Higgy Bears from America.
Each of the bears proudly wears its own back brace, just like the one Arden and other children with scoliosis wear.
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine twists and curves.
Life changing
For Arden, the discovery was accidental. At four years old, she had an x-ray for a suspected chest infection, which revealed the curvature in her spine.
Her mother Celine said: “Arden had her first brace fitted just before her sixth birthday in August 2024.
“When we were told that she needed a brace, it was very emotional. No parent wants to see their children facing any sort of hardship.
The thought of Arden having to wear a rigid brace every single day and not knowing what this will mean for her later in life is tough. But this was quickly replaced with immense pride at how she is facing her daily life with scoliosis.”
Helping others
The bears are intended to show children in a simple way what a brace looks like as well as offering support during their diagnosis.
Arden and her little sister have also put together a pack of helpful leaflets, a badge and a wristband.
Specialist nurse Cheryl Honeyman said: “We are extremely grateful to Arden and her family.
“We’ve never received anything like this before, it will be lovely to be able to give other young patients a teddy to give them some comfort when they are told they need to wear a brace.”
Consultant spinal surgeon Zak Choudhury added: “Arden has worked so hard to put this all together at only seven years old.
“It’s truly humbling and an inspiration to us grown-ups too. Her dedication and kindness will help a lot of young children understand and navigate what can be a difficult time.”
Arden’s parents are now hoping to set up a local network of children with scoliosis for Arden to meet up with
