A wave of local Water Babies classes in Frome have been busy splashing for cash in their bi-annual Splashathon events to raise vital funds for baby charity ‘Tommy’s’.
‘Tommy’s’ helps mums have a healthy pregnancy and prevent complications such as miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth.
A host of local little swimmers took the plunge at fun-filled Splashathons across the area and joined in exciting sponsored pool challenges they had never attempted before to raise an incredible £5,348 to help Water Babies, the baby swimming experts.
Water Babies have raised a staggering £466,000 through this year’s Splashathons, bringing the total raised since starting the Splashathons seven years ago to £1.2million.
Claire Southworth, who runs classes locally said, “With one in four women still tragically losing a baby in pregnancy or birth, chances are that we all know someone who’s experienced loss. Therefore this is a cause that is so close to so many of our hearts that any help that our little swimmers can give their unborn peers is absolutely crucial.”
Money was raised by babies and toddlers completing new special swimming challenges set by their teachers. Claire continued, “For many parents, the sight of their baby doing their first solo dip underwater or swimming through a underwater hoop for the first time is a very proud and emotional moment.
“The Splashathons are always so much fun we want to thank everyone involved, including all the mums, dads and family and friends who sponsored their little ones. I feel incredibly proud of – and equally humbled by – each and every one of the children and their parents for taking this truly worthwhile cause to their hearts. We were all so proud of all our little splashers and how much they managed to help us raise for such an important cause.”
Water Babies has supported Tommy’s Splashathon since 2006 and is their second largest corporate supporter. All monies raised by Water Babies helps to fund Tommy’s three research centres, based in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, and will ultimately enable Tommy’s to help more parents take their baby home.
Jane Brewin, chief executive of Tommy’s, says, “Water Babies has achieved the incredible by fundraising a staggering £1.2million for Tommy’s since their very first Splashathon seven years ago. We cannot thank them enough for their support and generosity over the years. Their sizeable contribution has made such a difference to our research programmes and means that we can save the lives of more babies.
“Seeing all the lovely photos from all the Splashathons that have taken place this summer, with everyone having such a good time, makes it all the more special. We’re looking forward to many more Splashathons with Water Babies in the years to come.”
For more information on Water Babies visit www.waterbabies.co.uk or call 01793 337118. Claire Southworth runs classes locally including Harry’s Hydro in Nunney Road and The Full Moon in Rudge, near Frome. For more information on Tommy’s visit www.tommys.org.
