Sunderland Echo

Toddling along for respite centre

TINY YOUNGSTERS POUND THE PAVEMENTS TO RAISE CASH FOR GRACE HOUSE

- By David Allison david.allison@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @davidallis­on88

Little ones took to the streets for their annual toddle in aid of a respite centre which cares for poorly children.

Toddlers from St Leonard’s RC Church, Independen­t Methodist Church and Calvary Christian Fellowship from Silksworth took part in their annual toddle to raise money for Grace House.

To date, the group has raised more than £9,500 for the benefit of the charity.

Children taking part all turned up at the church wearing fancy dress.

The toddle then got underway to the Independen­t Methodist Church where the party celebratio­ns took place.

Denise Oliver, toddle organiser who has jointly run the Calvary Christian Fellowship Toddle Group for 28 years, said: “Our annual toddle for Grace House is always a colourful occasion each year we have a wonderful fun-filled afternoon supportent­s ing a great cause, whatever the weather.”

Karen Maclennan, senior fundraiser at Grace House, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Denise Oliver, to group organisers and all the parents and grandpar- for organising the fancy dress toddle and for making it an annual event that is so very special.”

Grace House offers shortbreak care to severely disabled children and young people from all over the North East.

Run in partnershi­p with Sunderland Care and Support, the Southwick site provides a home from home where children and young people can go and stay overnight and enjoy the exciting ‘sleep-over’ experience that many disabled children miss out on. This gives family members an opportunit­y to have a rest and recharge their batteries.

 ??  ?? Toddlers from St Leonard’s RC Church, Independen­t Methodist Church and Calvary Christian Fellowship.
Toddlers from St Leonard’s RC Church, Independen­t Methodist Church and Calvary Christian Fellowship.

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