Paddington’s involvement with Action Medical Research goes all the way back to 1976.

A chance meeting took place between Paddington’s creator Michael Bond and the charity’s founder, Duncan Guthrie who asked whether Michael could offer his support to the charity.

The biggest event of the year in Paddington’s Action Medical Research diary has to be “Bring Your Bear” week which takes place around the time of Paddington’s summer birthday on June 25th.

Businesses, schools and individuals arrange all sorts of events and activities with the help of their bears and raise money for Paddington’s favourite cause.

Action Medical Research is dedicated to building a better, healthier future for everyone. They played a crucial role in developing the polio vaccine in the UK, ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, hip replacement surgery and more. They are an independent, national charity and rely totally on voluntary support.

2008 is a very important year for Paddington Bear. Not only is he celebrating his 50th birthday this year but he’s also doing what he can to help sick babies. You can do your part too.

Every year in the UK around 70,000 babies need special care when they are born - that’s around one in ten babies.

Through its Touching Tiny Lives Campaign, Action Medical Research is helping doctors across the country to find better ways to protect mums-to-be from the risk of pregnancy complications, reduce the incidence of premature birth, and treat those babies who need special care.

To get involved is very easy. Children bring their teddy bear or favourite soft toy into school or nursery for a day and donate £1 to help sick and vulnerable babies.

Adults can take part too at work. Paddington’s birthday is on the 25th June, but you can choose any day in June for the event.

Check out our new programme (soon) and find out how you can help Paddington mark his 50th anniversary in style by taking part in this wonderful event.

Check out this short clip from Paddington’s TV show