Celebrities launch Barnardo's Big Toddle
Barnardo’s celebrity supporters Jools Oliver and Andrew Lincoln, Fay Ripley, Lorraine Ashbourne, Helen McCrory and Damian Lewis marked the start of Barnardo's Big Toddle season last week by attending the launch event at Kenwood House, London NW3.
The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is the UK’s largest nationwide fundraising event for under 5’s. Since the very first Toddle in 1995, 2 million intrepid Toddlers have registered for the short sponsored walks, with close to half a million Toddling in 2008 alone. Barnardo's Big Toddle 2009 is supported by Fairy Non Bio Gel.
Further celebrity supporters who have been Toddling with their families this summer include Laura Bailey, Daley Thompson, Melinda Messenger, Trisha Goddard and actresses Michelle Collins, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Nina Wadia.
The vital funds raised from the Big Toddle go towards supporting Barnardo’s ‘Early Years’ work with under 5s, including services for children with disabilities, young carers, and mums and dads who need a helping hand to care for their children.
Barnardo’s ambassador and television presenter Melinda Messenger said:
The children have loved taking part in the Barnardo’s Big Toddle as they have grown up. It’s always a fun day and it’s for such a great cause. 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. It is so simple to arrange your own Toddle if you can’t make it to one of the organised events - and it’s a great excuse for all the mums to meet up for some sunshine and gossip! In the current climate the families and children Barnardo’s help particularly need your support, so please join in the Big Toddle 2009.
Barnardo’s ambassador, model and writer Laura Bailey said:
The Big Toddle is brilliant – the kids love it. I think all children find getting sponsored very exciting, and as they get older and understand that they are raising money for Barnardo’s, they want to know about the children they are helping – it’s a really good way for them to learn about those less fortunate than themselves.
It’s great fun to get some girlfriends together and hold a Toddle at one of our houses or a local park, we take a picnic and it’s always a good day out.
Barnardo’s supporter and quadruple world record breaking athlete Daley Thompson says:
I have taken part in the Barnardo’s Big Toddle with my two sons in the past, and this year we are planning to go to our local Toddle in Brighton. It’s great to see all the kids turning up with their sponsorship forms and leaving with their badges and certificates, I think the earlier you encourage children to get active and enjoy the outdoors the better. The Big Toddle is a fun and simple idea and raises funds for the vital work Barnardo’s does throughout the UK.
Chat show host Trisha Goddard who attended the Toddle in Eaton Park said:
It's great to see children doing their bit for other children less fortunate and I think the earlier you encourage children to get active and enjoy the outdoors and learn about charities, the better.