Any parent who’s watched their child have a blood test knows how frightening it can be for little ones. Which is why Queensland great grandmother Valma Jacobsen decided to help put a smile on their faces with her hand-knitted teddies.

The 95-year-old has been donating her knitted bears to Mater’s pathology collection centre for more than a decade – giving more than two thousand children one of her lovingly handcrafted creations.

“I’ve knitted three bears per week for the last 13 years. I knit for a few hours every night,” Valma said. “It keeps my hands busy and stops me falling asleep at night watching television. I only knit at night, as I keep busy during the day reading books and doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles.”

For most kids, having a blood test is a scary experience, which is why Valma’s bears are so important.

“The sight of needles, an unfamiliar, sterile environment, and fear of pain can easily lead to anxiety,” Mater Pathology phlebotomist (collector) Shelley Liebenberg explained.

“For many children, it’s their first blood test, so you want them to have the best first experience as possible. Praising them for their bravery with a small token – just like Val’s teddies – or a gesture can also help to positively reinforce the experience.”

Valma says she’s already donated around 90 teddies this year alone, and will continue to make them for as long as she can.

“I used to make the odd project for my children and grandchildren but began knitting teddies for the Red Cross with a group of women at my retirement village in Yeronga.”

Her friends from the knitting group have since passed away, but Valma says she has no intention of stopping any time soon.

“Knowing I can bring some comfort to a small child when they are having a blood test it really special,”(Images: Josh Woning)