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University children join charity toddle in the park

Toddlers from the University’s nursery for children of staff and students have stepped out to help raise funds for the Barnardo’s charity.

Around 25 youngsters aged from seven months to five years took part in the event, which saw the toddlers and some of their relatives walk a route through Albert Park in Middlesbrough. The aim of the Barnardo’s Big Toddle is to help raise funds for local Barnardo's projects working with disadvantaged young children.

The University’s nursery children raised £803 with their Big Toddle, with £603 going to Barnardo’s and the remaining £200 retained by the nursery.

Children from the nursery wore T-shirts which they’d customised with fabric paints. The majority completed the route on foot, with a handful in pushchairs and others perched on an adult’s shoulders.

Nursery Manager Janet Graham said: ‘It’s the first time we have taken part in the Barnardo’s Big Toddle and it certainly has been successful event. The children really enjoyed it and so did we, it was great to have some time with our parents and families. It also covered areas of learning.

‘We want to say a big thank-you to everyone who sponsored us. It’s now our intention to make it an annual event.’

Louise Shorter, of Middlesbrough, joined her two-year-old son Mason and five-year-old daughter Imogen on the route around the park. She said: ‘It’s fresh air for the little ones and is also helping to promote awareness of Barnardo’s. It’s also really good that the nursery can keep some of the money raised.

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