Meningitis Now Toddle Waddle

Children with a range of meningitis experiences are helping a national charity to fight back against the devastating disease with its latest fundraising campaign.

Five youngsters from across the UK are launching this year’s Meningitis Now Toddle Waddle and encouraging other families, nurseries and toddler groups to sign up and hold their own event.

The five super waddlers – Amelia, Elise, Louie and twins Seth and Reece – feature in the charity’s Toddle Waddle pack, where their likenesses have been captured by top illustrator Rebecca Canavan.

Carrie Bater, Community Fundraiser at Meningitis Now, said: “Toddle Waddle is one of our favourite fundraisers which over the last three years has raised nearly £100,000 towards our lifesaving and life-changing work.

“We’re especially pleased this year to have the support of the children – and their families of course – and grateful to them for sharing their stories. They really show why it’s so important to do everything we can to tackle this brutal disease.”

The children’s stories cover a range of outcomes from the disease, from bereavement to life-limiting after-effects, amputations and recovery.

Toddle Waddle is a fun, short, sponsored walk for little feet, although everyone is welcome to join in. It aims to raise awareness and funds and all the money raised helps Meningitis Now to save lives and rebuild futures through its research, awareness and support work.

They can be held wherever and whenever organisers want although the charity is hoping as many people as possible will stage theirs between 4 and 10 June – National Waddle Week.

Carrie added: “Sadly, babies, toddlers and children under five are most at risk of meningitis – over half of all cases are within this age group. Every penny raised by our Toddle Waddlers will help save lives and rebuild the futures of those affected.

“Organising a Toddle Waddle is a doddle with our free pack of ideas and online resources to help you – simply get in touch at http://www.toddlewaddle.co.uk or call our friendly team on 01453 768000 to find out more.”

Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.

It does this by funding research into vaccines and prevention, raising awareness so people know what to look for and what action to take if they suspect meningitis and rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of the disease.

For more information on meningitis and the work of Meningitis Now or to donate visit http://www.meningitisnow.org