Cancer Patient’s Toy Design Wins National Competition

A youngster who is bravely facing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has won the Cancer Support UK and Warmies® national Create your Dream Bestie competition.

Spencer Codling, from Skelton, North Yorkshire, entered a charismatic design of a cute teddy with superhero qualities – Bat Cat – for the chance to see his creation brought to life as a cuddly toy made by leading sensory soft toy producer Warmies®.  

Children with cancer were invited to draw and enter a picture of their dream best friend and 10-year-old Spencer emerged as a clear winner through a public vote from a shortlist of six outstanding entries.

“I wanted to create a superhero teddy, which children could cuddle when having treatment to make them feel better,” said Spencer (pictured above).

Cancer Support UK CEO Mark Guymer and Warmies® Managing Director David Tweedale visited Spencer personally at Great Ormond Street Hospital, while he was recovering from treatment, to present him with his well-deserved prize - a magnificent soft toy version of Bat Cat.

Spencer also received a framed copy of his winner’s certificate together with Warmie’s concept artwork for Bat Cat.

Only 1,200 Bat Cat toys will be produced by Warmies®, so in order to secure one of these coveted cuddlies, it is essential to pre-order now, for just £24.99, from https://warmies.co.uk/products/warmies®-batcat

All profits from the sale of Bat Cat will be donated to Cancer Support UK.

“Spencer absolutely loves his teddy and already has plans to display it at home, together with his framed certificate,” said Spencer’s mum, Karen.

“We are incredibly proud of Spencer – his cancer journey has been really tough and to see the positive impact that this competition has had on him is incredible. For him, just knowing his design was receiving votes made him happy, but then to find out he won, it just blew him away. The support he received was fantastic."

Now being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Spencer faces mobility challenges, missed schooling, and long periods of isolation - yet remains a bright, funny, and compassionate boy. Supported by his loving family, especially big brother Isaac, Spencer’s strength is an inspiration to everyone who knows him.

“We’d like to congratulate Spencer on his fantastic Bat Cat design, which the public took to their hearts,” said Mark Guymer, CEO of Cancer Support UK.

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you and well done to all the children who entered our competition – the standard was exceptionally high and all the children should be very proud of themselves.”