Community News – Lauran and Annabelle’s charity toddle

Our New Directions Education team are always taking part in extra-curricular activities alongside working hard to find you suitable positions in schools in your local area. This week, we are sharing the story of Lauran Collins from our Wirral branch, who took part in a toddle charity walk for a very good cause…

What’s a toddle walk?

The toddle walk was a short, sponsored walk for parents and their little ones aged 0-3. Lauran joined 30 other participants to walk (and toddle) a lap of Vale Park in Birkenhead with her one-year-old daughter Annabelle, all in the name of raising crucial funds for a charity that means a lot to her.

Claire House Children’s Hospice

The charity in question was Claire House Children’s Hospice, which helps terminally ill children and their families to feel a sense of normality and live life to the full. They provide specialist nursing care, physiotherapy, counselling and respite; while supporting families emotionally during the most stressful time of their lives. They have the ambitious aim to reach every child and family that needs their help across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales, and to do that, they need the support of people in the local community like Lauran.

The charity hosts numerous events and challenges throughout the year, including the toddle walk which Lauran and Annabelle took part in on 16^th July. Lauran raised £75 of sponsorship money for Claire House, which could pay for half a day of bereavement support and a couple of hours of one-to-one nursing for a terminally ill child, making a real difference to the child and family.

Lauran wanted to take part in the walk as she believes that Claire House do amazing things and in a former job, she had a lot of clients who used the facilities that Claire House offers. The funds raised by Lauran and all the other participants will help them continue their important work, making a positive impact on the lives of people in the local community.

About the event

The toddle walk was organised by a playgroup that Lauran’s daughters have attended for the last 3 years. It took place on a gloriously sunny day – in fact, it was one of the sunniest days so far in July! Lauran and Annabelle walked and toddled around Vale Park, a green-flag space with views across the River Mersey, colourful floral displays, amazing handmade sculptures and a fairy village to keep the magic alive for the kids.

Lauran commented: “It was so nice to see so many of us taking part. The children had a fabulous time with the pirates and fairies that came to do the walk with us, as well as visiting the fairy village. At the end of the walk, we had a huge picnic on the grass and the children were rewarded with ice cream and certificates.”

The event was a roaring success and an enjoyable day for all involved, raising vital funds for Claire House. Well done to Lauran, Annabelle and all involved in raising money for such a worthwhile cause!