Your Toddle news

Our mascot Big Todd will be heading out all across the UK to get the latest on this year’s Toddle, visiting as many as he can pack into his very busy schedule! however we also want to hear from you about your Big Toddles.

So if you've got a great Toddling story that you would like to share, then send us an email at big.toddle@barnardos.org.uk

Be sure to check back regularly for all of the latest Big Toddle news!

Sam, Todd and the 4th plinth

On Monday 24^th August at 5pm Sam Harwood very kindly took to the 4^th plinth for Barnardo’s Big Toddle. Todd also appeared to lend his support and greet the many children in the square. Sam fired little balls with messages such as ‘Go and give a friend a hug today’, ‘Smile’, ‘give me a wave’ and ‘Barnardo’s Big Toddle’ into the audience and a huge group of kids were running around desperately trying to get one, nearly knocking Todd off his feet in the process. We also played a group game of Simon Says and heads shoulders knees and toes – check out the video - and gave out some freebies as well as leaflets on the Big Toddle to try to spread the word. To all that came to say hello, thank you!

Join the Big Toddle on Facebook!

Todd and the Toddle team have come up with a brilliant new idea to bring Big Toddlers together! Our new Facebook page is the place to trade Toddle tips. You can also share your Big Toddle photos and videos.

If you are organising your own Toddle, you can register it on the page. All Big Toddlers can also drum up support by inviting friends and family to become fans of the page. Get everyone you know involved in the fun.

Check out our Facebook page and get connected!

Kid joins the kids at Toddle in the farm

Children toddling at the Pennywell Farm Toddle were joined by a new kid - Nibbles the Goat! Nibbles trotted around the Toddle after receiving lots of intense training. It made for a very unique Toddle for the 150 children that took part.

The farm’s Chris Murray says, “I thought registering Nibbles would be great fun and a novel way to raise sponsorship for a worthy cause.”

Toddlers toppling fundraising record

An enthusiastic group from Kensington who have been taking part in The Big Toddle for the last three years is toddling to smash their fundraising record. This year’s organiser, Renee Rekrut, said the group has “set themselves a goal of £4,500 which will bring [their] three year total to over £13,000!”  

The group has lots of fun on the way round, celebrating with a picnic usually provided by a local supermarket. Next year there will be a new fourteen-strong team of little ones toddling for Kensington. One thing’s for sure: the Kensington Playgroup is toddle-tastic!

Celebrities support the Big Toddle

We’re delighted to have celebrities Laura Bailey, Melinda Messenger and Tina O’Brien supporting the Big Toddle 2009.  Here’s what they have to say about it:

Model and writer Laura Bailey says, “The Big Toddle is brilliant – the kids love it.”

Melinda Messenger, television presenter, adds,“They come away full of pride with their medals and certificates, and most importantly with an understanding of the children they have been raising money for.”

Tina O'Brien, ex-Corrie star and new mum, agrees “It’s a fun day out and you’ll be raising money for the work Barnardo’s does with vulnerable young children throughout the UK.”

Todd thanks Wilson Primary School

Todd said a big thank you to the nursery children at Wilson Primary School. Over the last two years the school have raised £838.11 and hope to raise more this summer.

The school won a prize draw to be visited by Todd. He presented an event pack to them, as well as a Toddle CD for every child. Todd also had fun leading the children in a sing-a-long of If You’re Happy And You Know It.

The head teacher of Wilson Primary School, Mo Galway, said: ‘A big thanks to Todd for coming to say thanks to the children for raising money. We love organising the Big Toddle for the great cause which is Barnardo’s. We’ll be taking part this year and hopefully for many years to come.’