Toddlers do their bit for the Meningitis Trust by taking part in the Toddle Waddle

(22/01/2010)

In April, thousands of children will make mini steps across the UK to do their bit for the Meningitis Trust by taking part in the charity's annual Toddle Waddle.

Toddle Waddle is a sponsored walk or waddle aimed at the under 5s. This year will be its 11th year and, over the years, it has raised more than £2.7million. This money has made a huge difference, enabling the Trust to continue funding its professional support services from helping a child to be mobile with a wheelchair funded by a financial grant, to rebuilding a family’s future with the help of its counselling.

As many as 500,000 people living in the UK today have had either viral or bacterial meningitis. And up to 10 million adults in the UK – one adult in every four – knows of someone who has had the disease. The Meningitis Trust, a registered charity, helps and supports everyone struggling to cope with the impact of meningitis through a range of professional free services.

Toddlers, children and even babies in buggies take part. Anyone can organise one, nurseries, parents, community groups and grandparents. As babies and children under 5 are an ‘at risk’ group for meningitis - with half of all cases occurring in this age group – a Toddle Waddle is an ideal way to engage with those who look after them. The event raises life-saving awareness of the disease, whilst also raising vital funds for the Trust.

The sponsors of the 2010 Toddle Waddle will once again be HiPP Organic. HiPP has been in partnership with the Trust since 2008, helping to raise awareness of meningitis by distributing signs and symptoms cards to its Baby Club members - around 60,000 are sent out every three months.

Toddle Waddle Organiser, Steve Williams, says: “Although there is a serious underlying message, it’s also lots of fun for children. Toddle Waddle involves youngsters toddling or waddling alongside their friends, brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents. We are hoping that by being supported by a major brand like HiPP, we will be able to spread more awareness this year.”

To register for the event, visit the Meningitis Trust’s Toddle Waddle website.

Related categories:  Children health and children safety   Toddlers 

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