UK Dad Makes Special Toys for Kids with Medical Conditions

Nick Hardman, a single dad from the UK, has given up 20% of his household income to create toys with medical conditions for children who wouldn't otherwise have toys that look like them.

How It All Started

Back in 2020, Nick, who is a 3D printing enthusiast, began making unique toys for his own kids and sharing them online. His project took an unexpected turn when he received a special request from a parent asking if he could create a custom toy for their child with hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a condition that causes fluid build-up in the brain. People with this condition need a device called a shunt valve to drain the excess fluid. Nick was able to 3D print a shunt valve and sew it onto a custom teddy bear.

This teddy bear did more than just give the child a toy they could relate to - it also helped them visualize and better understand their own body.

Growing into Something Bigger

When Nick shared that toy online, the response was amazing. He received overwhelming support and many more requests for unique toys.

This led Nick to start his 3D Toy Shop. Even though the nonprofit runs at a loss, Nick reduced his day job to 4 days a week so he could spend every Friday running his toy shop.

Community Support

With a long list of children waiting for their toys, Nick now has help from friends, family, and volunteers from all over. These "teddy surgeons" work to sew on the 3D printed pieces and ship out the finished toys.

Ensuring Everyone Gets a Toy

Nick understands that not all families can afford these custom toys. That's why he created the "Sponsor a Teddy" program. This allows anyone to donate to a community fund that covers the cost of teddies for families in need.

This way, financial circumstances won't prevent any child from having a toy that represents them and their medical condition.