The Bears of Sheffield were a fundraising initiative by the Sheffield Children's Hospital to raise funds for a new cancer and leukaemia ward during the summer of 2021.  Over 160 bears were placed across the city forming a trail for children to follow.  Funds were raised via sponsorship, events (for example schools had to raise £750 to be able to paint a small bear), merchandising, donations and a final auction of the large bears at the end of the initiative. Small bears were returned to the schools who had painted them.

The bears (designed by David Mayne, and manufactured in Attercliffe by Simpson Ltd) were inspired by Mayne’s Botanical Gardens bear sculpture and through The Children’s Hospital Charity’s mascot, Theo.