TWO big-hearted knitters are making teddy bears to raise money for Farleigh Hospice after staff there helped care for their husbands.

Sue Gowers, from Heybridge and friend Lesley Grover have been crocheting and knitting the cuddly toys to help to give the hospice a cash boost during the coronavirus pandemic.

The teddy bears are even wearing hospital scrubs and face masks.

The pair had hoped to raise £200, but have smashed their original target and now raised more than £575.

Both their families have special links to the charity after Sue and Lesley’s husbands received “amazing” care during their battles against cancer.

Sue’s daughter, Jennifer, said: “Both families have a very close connection to Farleigh.

“I think they are doing an amazing job and I’m so proud of them.”

Hundreds of charities like Farleigh Hospice have suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of events aimed at raising funds.

To donate to Sue and Lesley’s appeal, search for Farleigh Scrubs Bears on justgiving.com.