This guys £120k collection is un-bear-lievable!
Nicholas Cherrywood, 27, has been collecting Care Bears for over a decade. The makeup artist from Dallas, Texas, has shared a video of his ‘bear cave’ which is the home of 1000 Care Bears.
The pastel purple room is stacked from ceiling to floor with the nostalgic teddy which is estimated to be worth over £120,000 [$170k USD].
He said: “Care Bears have always had a special place in my heart. “I would say from the age of seven till this day, they bring me great comfort. “As a child, I used them as a form of communication. “A Care Bear allowed me to express my emotions without using words. “On good days I would parade around my home with Cheer Bear and when tired I would carry Bedtime Bear around. “I wasn’t very vocal as a child but my parents always knew they could just look into my arms to see which Care Bear accompanied me and knew exactly what was needed! “Even when I wanted a sweet, I’d carry Treat Heart Pig they knew chocolate milk was to come. “There was a bear for every mood, want, and need. “They are nostalgic and I am forever grateful they were there to make me the person I am today.”
Nicholas’s collection began as gifts but from 12 onwards, he used pocket money and now his salary to fund his collection. He said: “Some people use their earnings on their cars, designer bags, shoes, etc. “I spent my money on Care Bears. “I have spent over £70,000 [$100k USD] over the years. “It is addictive to an extent but I would never allow myself to go out of pocket for a bear. “My most expensive bear would be the Care Bear x Doodle Bear Prototype. “Her stomach symbol has a rainbow paint pot on it, which can be found in some Care Bear imagery from 2004. “The mystery of what her name could be is one of my favourite things about collecting, finding out the story and history of the bears.”
Nicholas has 777 cuddly bears on display in his office whilst the rest are in storage.
He said: “I keep my Care Bears separate from my home. Just like how some have their man cave or dream closet! “I don’t have any plans for selling them in the future. “My collection is a “Forever Home” – however, I will be leaving them to my next of kin. “All of my friends and family support my collection and love to see it. “Over the years, I have also donated around £14,000 [20k usd] worth of Care Bears to homeless shelters and hospitals. “The smiles it puts on their faces and comfort it’s gives them, reminds me of where my journey with Care Bears started. Spreading love and happiness to others is what life is all about.”
ALSO READ: Oil truck turned into green sculpture to show nature ‘taking back control’
