BELINDA Watts is new to Hervey Bay and is offering gifts for people in challenging times.

Mrs Watts has previously been a care support worker for many years both in the communities and a day respite centre on the sunshine coast hinterland. She once had a client that was making ‘trauma teddies’ and that she decided to continue this work of producing the hand-knitted teddy bears.

She found the knitting enjoyable, but the task of putting the bears together was a challenge.

Her lady client continued to help her put the teddy bears together and slowly built a good stock of bears for patients.

Once she had a suitable amount to distribute, the Starlight Foundation would come along to collect them, which were given either to the hospital or the ambulance service.

Unfortunately, her client passed away, but Belinda Watts continued the tradition with the knitting. 

In November 2021, Mrs Watts was to receive some news that would change her life forever. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

After discussions with her husband, they decided it was time to sell their dream home in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands and prepare for an early retirement.

“We always had conversations about retiring in Hervey Bay; we enjoyed family holidays every year for the previous 26 years.”

“We now call Hervey Bay home,” said Mrs Watts.

She now would like to see these trauma teddies go to recipients in need, as she previously donated to places such as children’s wards at the hospital and the local ambulance service.

Mrs Watts very much wants to support the local community as she knows the importance of locals when in times of need.

“Any way we can help someone…… these teddies brighten a person's day," said Mrs Watts.

For more information, contact Belinda Watts at pbwatts007@hotmail.com