When Shauna Mosley accepted a secondment from her job to become the Volunteer Co-ordinator at The Children’s Hospital Charity in March 2020, the Bears of Sheffield was still top-secret.
Shauna was a Retail Manager in Sheffield and took part in a Golden Jubilee Secondment as part of the John Lewis Partnership’s volunteering programme, which sees staff give practical assistance to help charities grow.
Shauna, 29, from Walkley, recalls: “The Community Liaison Co-ordinator at our store, Debbie Bennett, said we have this opportunity and I jumped at the chance. I love meeting people, it’s what I enjoy doing and it just seemed like a natural fit.”
She would have to wait more than a year to start the role, with the Bears of Sheffield delayed during to COVID-19, but Shauna has set about getting her bearings ever since.
161 of the distinctive animals have gone onto capture hearts and inspire imaginations from Sheffield and further afield, showcasing the vision, creativity, and generosity of the community.
Less visible but no less important in the project’s success has been the vital role of volunteers. As well as managing and re-engaging The Children’s Hospital Charity’s helpers after 18 months of cancelled events, Shauna has worked with 80 volunteers to help provide more than 685 hours or 18 working weeks’ worth of help for the Bears of Sheffield.
Shauna adds: “It’s exceeded all my expectations. From universities to community groups, I’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and willingness out there to help Sheffield Children’s Hospital.”
From putting together fundraising packs and bucket collections, to moving, photographing, cleaning, and maintaining the Bears this summer, volunteers have played a crucial role in ensuring the project’s success.
Their tireless efforts have also ensured that as much fundraising as possible can support the charity appeal to build a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
As well as a larger, brighter space, there will be a bigger and better playroom situated in the heart of the ward. It will maximise the view of Weston Park, making patients feel connected to the outside whilst they are getting better and create space for a parent to sleep more comfortably alongside their child.
Shauna’s legacy will also be felt for a long to come within the Charity, with more than 50 volunteers already committed to supporting their efforts beyond the Bears of Sheffield.
Shauna continues: “It’s just been brilliant; I remember the buzz and excitement from the Herd of Sheffield, and it’s been amazing to be part of the Bears. Everyone says ‘I’ve seen your Bears’ when I run into them, and I’ve visited parts of Sheffield I’d not seen since my school days on the trail.
“It has also come at a time when I was sadly going through the closure of the John Lewis store. It’s given me a positive purpose and a distraction when I’ve probably never needed it more. I’ve honestly enjoyed every moment.
“It’s also been amazing to meet and spend time with The Children’s Hospital Charity’s team. Even working remotely, I felt we gelled straightaway, and everyone was so welcoming with me.
“They helped me learn my role quickly and for such a small team, their workload and what they achieve is incredible. I will definitely be leaving part of my heart here.”
Even though Shauna is leaving The Children’s Hospital Charity, she is staying with our cause. In the next few weeks, she will start a new job at Sheffield Children’s, becoming a medical secretary for the Sleep and Respiratory Teams.
Shauna explains: “Since working at the Charity, I’ve been thinking of the NHS as a career and after learning so much of the amazing work Sheffield Children’s does, the stars have aligned for me.
“It’s definitely not the end of the Bears for me and I’m looking forward to becoming a volunteer myself for the Farwell event at Meadowhall and the final auction at the Crucible Theatre. It will be sad to see them go, but the memories I’ve gained will last a lifetime.”
Cheryl Davidson, Project Manager for the Bears of Sheffield said: “I cannot thank Shauna enough for all her hard work and dedication. From day one, Shauna showed massive amounts of enthusiasm which continued even through the postponement of Bears.
“Her work with the volunteers has been phenomenal. She’s created a lasting legacy with the volunteer programme that will continue to go from strength to strength. Thanks so much Shauna!”
There’s still time take on the Charity ‘Bearathon’ to raise much-needed funds for Sheffield Children’s. The challenge involves running, walking, swimming or cycling 2.75km a day for a month.
It represents the £2.75M that is needed to build the new Cancer and Leukaemia ward and everyone who signs up will receive a limited edition Bearathon medal for taking part. You can register here,
