Littleport’s Phyllis, 92, knits bears to make vulnerable children in the Philippines smile

Phyllis Neal has knitted more than 120 bears over the past four years for vulnerable children in the Philippines. Picture: FFLUR SHEPPARD Archant

A 92-year-old Littleport woman who knits bears for vulnerable children in the Philippines says she’s proud of the lasting effect her work is having.

Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in.

Phyllis Neal has knitted more than 120 bears over the past four years for vulnerable children in the Philippines. Picture: FFLUR SHEPPARD Phyllis Neal has knitted more than 120 bears over the past four years for vulnerable children in the Philippines. Picture: FFLUR SHEPPARD

Phyllis Neal has knitted more than 120 bears over the past four years, each one being delivered to a child that has undergone life-changing surgery to address cleft palates and facial deformities.

You may also want to watch:

Anton Fries, Mrs Neal's grandson, works with the charity Operation Restore Hope and when he returns to the Philippines later this month, will take 30 of his grandmother's bears with him.

Phyllis Neal has knitted more than 120 bears over the past four years for vulnerable children in the Philippines. Picture: FFLUR SHEPPARD Phyllis Neal has knitted more than 120 bears over the past four years for vulnerable children in the Philippines. Picture: FFLUR SHEPPARD

Mrs Neal, of Littleport Grange Residential Home, said: "I'm proud of the work Anton does in the Philippines and want to do something to help these brave children smile."

Kathryn McGuirk, manager of Littleport Grange, said: "Phyllis is known within our community here at Littleport Grange for her kindness and her creativity, and these bears are the product of both these qualities."