Meningitis survivor, Harmonie-Rose, will join Meningitis Now ‘Under the Sea’ for her first Toddle Waddle fundraiser
21-month-old Harmonie-Rose, who lost both her legs and arms to meningitis in September last year, will join meningitis survivors Elise Robinson and Callum Gillespie to raise money for the charity.
The three youngsters had a tough start to life, fighting the life-threatening disease and suffering varying after-effects.
The walk, on Saturday (1 August) at Montpellier Park, will see the tots dressed as ‘under the sea’ characters and there will be a paper wallpaper for those taking part to leave their mark with an orange foot print.
“Callum, Harmonie-Rose and Elise are all under three and have spent their early years fighting this brutal disease. The event celebrates their courage and bravery - they are an inspiration to anyone affected by meningitis."
“The walk will start at the William IV statue at 10am and I would like to invite the local community to come along and join us, helping raise vital funds for the charity."
“Meningitis affects people in different ways and I hope we can raise awareness to as many people as possible during the event. All money raised will help eradicate the disease and support those affected.”
Sally Gillespie, Senior Community Fundraiser and mother to Callum
Toddle Waddle is a short sponsored walk for toddlers and young children that is about having fun. It’s perfect for anyone who looks after a child, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, babysitter, NCT group or teacher.
The walk has been organised by Zaphira Cormack who was inspired to support the charity after teaching Elsie and Callum in her ‘Miniature Music’ group in Cheltenham.
Toddle Waddle co-ordinator, Lydia Reed, said: “It’s so inspiring to see these three youngsters taking part in a Toddle Waddle and I hope the people of Cheltenham get behind them to help raise as much money as possible.
“Toddle Waddle is a hugely popular event that we run each year to raise funds for the charity, so that we can undertake vital research into crucial vaccines and increase awareness of meningitis and its symptoms."
“The event is a great way for children to have fun and stay active while making a difference to our charity.”
Holding your own Toddle Waddle is easy – all you need to do is pick a date and location. Upon registration, you will be sent a FREE fundraising pack jam-packed with activities and materials to help you organise your event. This includes a full ‘how to’ guide, poster, stickers, sponsor forms, event invitations and certificates.
It is free to take part in Toddle Waddle, however participants are asked to raise as much money as possible through sponsorship. All money raised will be used to help Meningitis Now fund their fight against meningitis in the UK.
