Thousands of people across the UK are affected by viral and bacterial meningitis each year, with many of its sufferers losing their lives or being left with lifelong disabilities. 

The key to saving lives is recognising the symptoms and reacting quickly, which is why parents, children and staff from Busy Bees Nursery and Pre-School Academy in Wandsworth are coming together to raise awareness for their national charity partner of the year, Meningitis Now. 

A team from the Smugglers Way-based nursery (made up of staff, children, parents and members of the local community) will be taking part in an Around the World Toddle Waddle on Monday 24th July at King George’s Park.

As well as taking place during National Parks Week, and providing an additional opportunity for children to enjoy the fresh air, the event will also serve as a means of raising vital funds, as Busy Bees nurseries all over the country aim to walk a combined distance of 24,901 miles, the entire circumference of the earth. 

As they embark on their journey around the globe, children from the nursery will also learn more about other cultures and the world around them, as they bring in foods from different nations and dress up as their favourite countries. 

Evelyn Herrera, nursery manager at Busy Bees in Wandsworth, said; “The children love spending time outside in the fresh air so this is just another exciting adventure for them and they’ve really enjoyed learning about all of the different countries around the world. It’s been really nice to see the overwhelming amount of support we’ve received from our staff, our parents and the wider community. It’s been really lovely to see everyone work together to help us try and raise money for such a worthy cause.” 

Meningitis Now has been dedicated to fighting the disease for 30 years and funds vital research into the prevention of meningitis, in order to achieve a future where no one loses their life to the disease. The charity is also devoted to supporting families affected by meningitis and helps them to rebuild their lives. 

Steve Dayman, Executive Founder of Meningitis Now, said; “We’re delighted that Busy Bees has chosen to support us this year and we look forward to working with them to help raise vital awareness with parents and staff about how to spot the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
“Every penny Busy Bees raise will help us fight this devastating disease on all fronts, from funding pioneering preventative research, raising awareness and supporting people affected.

“Support like this makes a real difference to those who are at risk from meningitis and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it.” 

The money that Busy Bees raises during National Parks Week, and throughout the year, will make a substantial contribution to the £3million that Meningitis Now needs to continue its life-saving work, including ground-breaking research projects, family support services and community awareness campaigns. 

Busy Bees Nursery and Pre-School academy in Wandsworth is part of the award winning Busy Bees nursery group, the UK’s leading provider of quality childcare. To find out more about the Around the World Toddle Waddle at Busy Bees nursery in Wandsworth, visit; https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/wandsworth.

Article supplied by Evelyn Herrera