‘Teddy Toddle’ for charity

Charity mascot, Humphrey, with children from Kids Allowed

Nurseries, crèches and playgroups from across Rochdale can now have some fun and help to raise money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity by signing up for Teddy Toddle – a brand new sponsored event for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The event, which is backed by actress and former Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien, is a fun sponsored walk for the under 5s set to take place on 24 September in aid of the children’s hospital.

Nurseries, creches and play groups can get involved and have some fun by organising their very own Teddy Toddle. Anyone that registers before Tuesday 10 August will be entered into a free prize draw to win a visit from Humphrey, the Charity mascot on Teddy Toddle day.

Tina O’Brien commented: “I am delighted to be lending my support to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity as the hospital does a fantastic job treating thousands of children every year. Teddy Toddle is a fun event that will see toddlers and pre schoolers taking part in a short sponsored walk but will go a long way in helping to provide play therapy for thousands of poorly children at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.”

Money raised from this year’s Teddy Toddle will go towards funding play therapy within the hospital. Play therapy provides patients with the comfort and pleasure of doing normal things and helps to take a child’s mind off the stressful experience that a stay in hospital can bring.

Charity mascot, Humphrey, recently visited Kids Allowed, a nursery in Cheadle, to join in their story time and also thank them for being the first nursery to sign up for Teddy Toddle.

Jennie Johnson, Kids Allowed Chief Executive said: “Teddy Toddle is a great event for us to get involved with and it’s great that our children having fun will help children in hospital.”

All organisations and groups that register, regardless of date, will receive a free Teddy Toddle pack which will include stickers, sponsor forms, balloons and certificates for the children as well as links to downloadable activity sheets.

Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity is raising money to ensure continued excellence in treatment, care and research at the hospital – improving the lives of thousands of children each year across the North West and beyond.

The support of the Charity means that the hospital can provide additional resources that make life a little easier for patients and their families who use the hospital.

The charity has three main areas of work:

• to support research projects to improve our understanding of children’s illnesses
• to help to create an environment that’s more child-friendly
• to provide state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and treatment

For further information about Teddy Toddle please contact 0161 276 4522 or visit www.rmchcharity.org.uk