A pensioner, who feared she would no longer be able to knit after losing her sight earlier this year, is part of a team making teddy bears for sick children being treated on the world’s largest charity hospital ship.

Theresa Rowntree, 75, of Braintree has so far knitted ten bears to be sent to patients on board the African Mercy, which provides free medical care to some of the world’s poorest people.

Rebecca Bond from Bassingbourn, Hertfordshire started the appeal for the toys to be knitted, after hearing how much they comforted the children, from her sister, Veronica Weatherhead, who volunteered as a nurse on board the ship.

To get involved with the knitting project ring 01763 246556 or email beccibond@hotmail.com