Kids’ charity urges youngsters to join Big Toddle
● NURSERIES and toddlers across Halton are being encouraged to take part in a fundraiser for the UK’s oldest and largest children’s charity.
Youngsters in Runcorn and Widnes raised £1,648 for Barnardo’s during last summer’s animal themed Big Toddle.
Children from nurseries and playgroups dressed up as animals such as tigers and giraffes and took part in a half mile walk to raise money for vulnerable children.
A further £7,402 was also raised by toddlers and their families across other areas in Cheshire.
This year’s Big Toddle runs from Monday, June 19, to Sunday, June 25, and has the theme of colours.
Since 1997, the Big Toddle has raised £14.5m.
The event is marking its 20th anniversary this year by teaming up with Teletubbies, which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The antics of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po have featured in more than 400 episodes of the popular TV programme and entertained children in more than 120 countries.
Barnardo’s North West director Lynn Perry said: “A huge thank you to everyone who will be taking part in this year’s Big Toddle.
“The Big Toddle is a great opportunity for little ones to enjoy themselves and help raise vital funds at the same time.
“Last year the event raised almost £600,000 which is helping to transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in this region.
“For this year’s event, Barnardo’s has teamed up with the Teletubbies, some of the most popular characters in children’s TV history.
“Both will be celebrating milestone 20th anniversaries, so it promises to be a fantastic party.”
The Big Toddle is the UK’s biggest fundraising event for children under the age of five.
Hundreds of thousands of children take part every year, covering enough miles to toddle around the world two and a half times.
For more information and to register visit www.bigtoddle.org. uk