Colin Finds His Forever Home at Littleport Academy

During December, owner of Pure Ely, Cheryl Bailey decided it was time for Colin the Bear to leave the nest and make a family happy but before he left the shop on Three Cups Walk, he had one more life-saving task to perform.

Colin who is over 2 metres tall and weighs more than most humans was put up as a prize in a raffle to raise enough money to buy a defibrillator for the shop. During the December competition, Mrs Bailey also gave training to all her staff, both first aid and in the use of the defibrillator.

During the live draw, Cheryl thanked everyone for taking part and confirmed enough had been raised to buy the life-saving kit before pulling out one of the tickets belonging to Maria Isaacs.

On contacting Maria, she decided Colin, while very lovely, was too big for her home and wanted to give it away. Comments on the social media post mentioned many good causes, but Ms Isaacs who worked at Highfields in Ely decided the new Highfields would get the most benefit.

And she was right, yesterday on arrival at the school, the children looked out through every window to see the arrival of Colin. Met by Grace 10, nearly 11 and Jack who is 8 1/2, Colin was shown to assembly along with an unexpected addition, a 6-metre snake who as yet has no name. The snake was donated by a friend of Maria’s.

Colin will be used at the school in the Therapy room which is being created. A place where children would be able to relax and take time out and a cuddle from Colin would make the children more at ease.

Littleports Highfield Academy has now been open 2 years and still in the process of trying to get more equipment for their school especially in the outdoor play area. SOLHA, The Supporters of Littleport Highfield Academy are constantly raising money and applying for grants but also are relying on the generosity of local businesses including Life Fitness who recently gave the school an outdoor Foosball Table.

The school have asked us to pass along a BIG THANK YOU to SOLHA, Cheryl and Maria for their generous contributions.