CHARITY PARTNERS WITH TOY MAKER TO TURN CHILDREN’S IMAGINATIONS INTO COMFORT OBJECTS
For children undergoing cancer treatment, long hospital stays and invasive procedures can dominate daily life. A national initiative returning in 2026 aims to offer something different: a creative outlet that turns imagination into something tangible.
Cancer Support UK has reopened its Create Your Dream Bestie competition, inviting children receiving cancer treatment across the UK to design an imaginary best friend — a character that makes them feel safe, brave or comforted. The winning entry will be transformed into a physical cuddly toy, professionally designed and manufactured, with proceeds supporting the charity’s work.
Now in its second year, the competition follows the success of its 2025 winner, 11-year-old Spencer Codling, whose design — Bat Cat — was produced and sold nationally. The initiative has since attracted attention from hospitals, families and supporters across the country, highlighting the role creativity can play alongside clinical care.
For families navigating childhood cancer, creative projects can offer more than distraction. Spencer’s mother, Karen Codling, described the experience as transformational during her son’s treatment.
“Taking part in the competition gave Spencer something positive to focus on during each stage of his treatment,” she said. “It distracted him from the difficult days, gave him hope, and gave us something to look forward to together. Seeing Bat Cat come to life was absolutely magical.”
The impact extended beyond one family. Messages of support followed the release of Bat Cat, prompting Spencer to encourage other children to take part in the new competition.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who bought a Bat Cat teddy in support of me and Cancer Support UK,” he said. “Your kindness and generosity made our hearts smile! Every purchase puts a HUGE smile on my face and helped Cancer Support UK do their amazing work.”
The 2026 competition is open to children currently receiving cancer treatment in hospitals nationwide. Participants are invited to submit drawings of a “Dream Bestie” — an imagined companion designed to provide comfort during difficult moments.
Mark Guymer, Chief Executive of Cancer Support UK, said the project reflects what the charity sees daily in treatment centres.
“Every day, we meet children who show extraordinary bravery while facing cancer. The Create Your Dream Bestie competition gives them a chance to escape into creativity, to imagine someone who brings comfort and to see that imagination celebrated.
“This competition is about joy, hope and believing that dreams can come true, even in the hardest times. Last year Spencer inspired us all with Bat Cat, plus we received some amazing designs from children across the UK. Now we can’t wait to see what children create for the 2026 competition.”
Entry forms are available online and will also be distributed through major cancer treatment centres across the UK. The charity has also encouraged supporters to continue purchasing the remaining limited-edition Bat Cat toys, with funds contributing to its services.
The manufacturing partner for the initiative will once again produce the winning design as a limited-edition toy intended to provide warmth and comfort.
David Tweedale, chief executive of Warmies®, said the collaboration had left a lasting impression.
“Partnering with Cancer Support UK on this competition is one of the highlights of our year. Seeing the joy on Spencer’s face when Bat Cat was created was unforgettable and we’re honoured to bring another child’s Dream Bestie to life in 2026.
“Warmies toys are all about warmth, comfort and soothing moments, and this competition brings those values to children who truly deserve them.”
Entries for the 2026 Create Your Dream Bestie competition close on 31 January 2026. The winning design will be released later that year, with proceeds supporting Cancer Support UK’s work with people living with and beyond cancer.
