A WOMAN in Jersey is giving worn-out teddy bears a second chance at life.
Toy restorer Christine Witham repairs much-loved bears that have been damaged, forgotten or even attacked by pets — helping families keep their special memories alive.
The 74-year-old from St Brelade has filled her home with teddy bears waiting to be fixed. Some sit in the hallway, while others crowd her living room, which also works as her workshop.
Christine’s unusual job began years ago while she was working for a charity called Eyecan.
A volunteer asked if she knew anyone who could mend an old teddy bear that had travelled the world with its owner.
“I took her bear away and mended it and brought it back in,” said Christine. “When people saw what I’d done, I got given another bear – and it went on like that.”
Since then, Christine has restored more than 100 bears and other soft toys. Some only need small repairs, like fixing noses or paws after “a lifetime of cuddles”.
Others arrive in much worse condition, with Christine repairing one teddy that had completely lost its legs, and another that needed new ears.
Christine said that some of the most damaged bears come from homes with pets. The toy restorer explained that puppies often attack and damage the noses of teddy bears.
Christine also repairs bears that have been brought to her after others have failed to repair them.
One bear called Rupert, nicknamed “Zoro”, had even been given a black mask by someone who tried to repair it before.
Christine used old pieces of mohair – a soft fabric often used for teddy bears – to rebuild his face.
“I replaced paw pads and repaired all other wear and tear,” she said. “I also repaired his homemade outfit and gave him a badge for bravery.”
As well as repairing toys, Christine also makes her own bears to sell at the Harbour Gallery.
Some of the bears even have “growlers” inside them – small devices that make a growling sound when the toy is moved.
Christine recently repaired one for a teddy called Tinkerbell, giving the bear its “voice” back.
