Children's TV star Olivia shines a light on Royton nursery

Children's TV star Olivia Birchenough and charity mascot Humphrey Bear delighted youngsters with a visit to their nursery in Royton.

Olivia, who is a presenter on Channel 5’s Milkshake! programme, was joined by Humphrey from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity for a Teddy Toddle event at the Shine a Light Nursery.

The nursery won the visit as part of an incentive run by the charity.

All nurseries who take part in their annual Teddy Toddle event stood the chance of winning the special visit.

Olivia, who is also a Charity Patron, read the 36 children the classic story ‘We’re Going On a Bear Hunt’ before leading the children on a walk around their playground for the sponsored walk.

Olivia said: “It was so amazing to see all the children and read them a story.

“After the story they were all geared up and ready to go out for their Teddy Toddle.

“They were all super enthusiastic.

"It was great to see young people getting excited about doing something together for a fantastic cause and raising money to help other children from their area who are poorly in hospital.”

A total of 32 nurseries and children’s groups from across Greater Manchester and the North West are taking part in Teddy Toddle this week, most raising money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity and one supporting their sister organisation Wythenshawe Hospital Charity.

Both charities fund treatment, research and care projects at their respective hospitals, helping to make a difficult and sometimes very emotional and daunting time easier for patients and their families.

This includes purchasing cutting edge equipment, funding pioneering medical research and creating patient-friendly environments to allow patients and their families to feel welcome and at ease during their time in hospital.

Nursery owner and manager Jane Marsh said: “We were so thrilled when we heard we’d won the competition to get a visit from Olivia and Humphrey.

“The children loved meeting them both and it really brightened up the week to take part in the Teddy Toddle.

“We’re still collecting some money in, but we estimate we’ve raised about £220 for the charity, which is really great.”

The activities at Shine A Light Nursery took place on Wednesday, but nurseries from across the North West have been taking part in Teddy Toddles throughout the week.

Georgie Sleigh, Community Fundraising Officer for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Teddy Toddle is always a big highlight in our calendar and is a great opportunity for little ones to do something for our charity.

“All the children at Shine A Light Nursery were little superstars and it was great we were able to put on this activity.

“We love hearing from schools or nurseries who are interested in putting the ‘fun’ into fundraising."

If anyone would like to find out more about supporting the children’s hospital, please visit: rmchcharity.org.uk or contact the team at: community.fundraising@mft.nhs.uk

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