Boy surprised by Black Panther teddy bear with hearing aids

A boy who lost his hearing in both ears during cancer treatment has been surprised with a specially-made teddy.

Thomas was given the toy, based on his favourite Marvel character Black Panther, which has hand-sewn hearing aids attached - like the ones he wears.

It was created by audiologist Ruth Avierinos who wants to "reduce the stigma around hearing conditions".

Thomas attends preschool at the Elizabeth Foundation at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

Thomas's teddy was designed after his favourite comics character, Black Panther

His mother, Vicky, said: "It's something to show him that although he might look different to other children, it's normal and it's OK.

"I don't like to call it a disability. We call it his 'magic ears' and now he's got his favourite character that also has magic ears.

"He has been taking him to bed every single night and, in the morning, he takes him back downstairs. Wherever he is, the Black Panther teddy is close by."

Thomas is now in remission and spent Easter at home.

Ruth Avierinos (right) said the teddy bears donation was "such a pleasure to do"

The Havant, Farlington and Waterlooville branches of Specsavers have been fundraising for the Sophie's Legacy charity, based at the hospital.

The cause, which was set up after 10-year-old Sophie passed away from cancer in 2021, hopes to change the way children's hospitals are run, with more play, nicer food for kids and parents, and to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

Ms Avierinos, who works for Specsavers in Havant, had been helping to raise money for the charity when she learned about Thomas, who has been wearing hearing aids since 2022.

She also donated 12 of her teddies to children who had to spend the Easter weekend at the hospital.

She said it was "such a pleasure to do" and her goal was "to reduce the stigma around hearing conditions and wearing hearing aids".

The bears surprised the children who had to spend Easter in Queen Alexandra Hospital

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