Mum scales heights to boost toddler group
A St Ninians woman is set to scale the heights to help support her local toddler group which she says has become a cornerstone of the community.
Jennifer Lean (30) will be joined by two of her close friends – Megan Dennehy and Jenna Skinner – when she laces up her walking boots and heads for Ben Ledi on November 4.
The mum of two is taking on the challenge in aid of the toddler group which meets at the Mayfield Centre on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
And the climb is part of a wider fundraising campaign in which those involved hope to be able to raise around £1800 to pay the hall fees for a year.
Jennifer, who took her two sons Norie, aged three, and two-year-old Thomas to the group, spoke about the importance of supporting the group for future generations of parents.
She told the Observer: “The group has been running for 30 years thanks to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers there. They need to pay hall fees of £1800 each year and need to raise this money themselves.
“It’s more than just a toddler group though. It’s a big support network and really important for the parents who go – especially from the social side of things.
“Becoming a new parent can be difficult and being able to go along and ask for advice from those who are maybe more experienced is a good safety net to have.”
The group currently has 40 registered children on the books. To attend costs £1 and the money is put straight back into the running of the group.
Jennifer, who works as a nurse with NHS Forth Valley, added:“We’ve raised around £250 so far but we’re also looking to do a fundraiser in the community with a raffle around Christmas time, and we’re trying to get some businesses on-board for that.
“I’m anxious but excited about climbing Ben Ledi. I’ve been doing a bit of walking around Causewayhead so I’m in a bit of a regime now.”
The toddler group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am.
Anyone who can help with the fundraising can contact Jennifer on 07734036259.