Young children and toddlers are set to go to the distance to help build a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Theo’s Walk and Picnic is returning following the success of last year’s event. The Children’s Hospital Charity are once again calling on families, nurseries and toddler groups from across the region to get involved throughout the month of May.
Among those who took part were childminders and long-time friends Clare White, Amanda Dale and Marie Langley. A total of nine children under their care took part in a walk and picnic in Sherwood Pines forest in Nottinghamshire last year.
Organiser Clare explained: “One of the children’s parents had heard about Theo’s Walk and Picnic and asked whether we could do it. I just knew it was something they would enjoy.
“They love the outdoors and exploring, we had a fantastic time together. The older children understood they were fundraising to help make things better at the hospital. The parents were also a huge driving force at home, securing lots of sponsorship.”
For those children in the group too young to take part in a walk, they played their part in a sponsored readathon at a local library. Their parents sponsored them for every book they could listen to before becoming distracted!
Thanks to the walking and attention spans of all involved, the group raised over £1,000 for The Children’s Hospital Charity.
Clare continued: “It was lovely to be able to present our fundraising at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and explain to the children how they had helped. We even received a surprise visit from Theo Bear himself, which was really special.”
There are no set rules on the challenge. It can be of any length, inside or outside, nearby or far away. Once registered, participants will receive a free fundraising pack which includes a handy guide, sponsorship forms, stickers and even a tasty picnic recipe!
Children who raise £1 will receive a special Theo Bear badge, those that raise £30 receive their own Theo Bear and events which raise over £150 go into a draw to win a visit from Theo Bear himself with lots of goodies from The Children’s Hospital Charity.
Every penny raised in Theo’s Walk and Picnic this year will help transform the Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital into a brighter and refreshed space.
Under the plans, more private patient bedrooms with en-suite facilities would be created, giving the opportunity for more patients for a place to make their own and increase the space for a parent to sleep alongside them.
Abbie Pervin, Regional Fundraising Manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity added: “Following the success of last year’s event, we’re delighted that Theo’s Walk and Picnic is returning to help Sheffield Children’s once again.
“With this event, you can help children when they need it the most, one small step at a time. As countless children and toddlers showed last year, age is no limit to the difference you can make to our young patients with your fundraising.
“Every penny raised will help young patients from across the region who rely on the excellent care at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.”
