Super babies to the rescue – local little swimmers raise money for baby loss awareness
This month, at pools across Banbury and the surrounding areas, hundreds of local newborns, toddlers and pre-schoolers will raise money for the baby loss prevention charity, Tommy’s. In heart-warming events at Frank Wise and Sibford School, babies as young as three months old will raise funds that could change the lives of other babies that they’ve never met and, in some cases, haven’t even been born yet, all whilst adorably dressed as superheroes.
The ‘Splashathon’ event, run by Banbury-based baby swim school Water Babies, takes place until 22nd October. Water Babies Bucks and Beds have already raised an astonishing £12,500 for Tommy’s so far, with more donations on the way!
Tommy’s is a baby loss prevention charity that raises money to research why pregnancy goes wrong, as well as guiding families through all stages of pregnancy. Tommy’s also provide support to those who have sadly lost babies. In the UK, it’s estimated that around one in four pregnancies result in miscarriage – a devastating statistic which has been deeply felt by so many in the region.
On Thursday, little Leighton Ford donned his cape and took to the seas – or Frank Wise School swimming pool – and it turns out Superman cuts through water as just well as the skies! At just one year old, Leighton, who has been a little swimmer since April, swam a width of the pool with the help of his mum, Emily, and support of his dad, Brian. The trio have already raised £250 for the worthwhile cause!
Emily stated, “I think it’s so lovely to start kids swimming young and get them taking part in fundraising activities. I never would have thought my son would be raising money for such an amazing charity at a young age. I didn’t know much about Tommy’s beforehand, as thankfully baby loss isn’t something that I’ve experienced personally. I feel honoured to be able to take part and to raise the profile of the fantastic work Tommy’s does.”
Tamsin Brewis, the director of Water Babies Bucks and Beds, was so proud to cheer on the local little swimmers during Leighton’s sponsored swim. “The donations raised by our little swimmers will help to fund research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Sadly, a lot of parents who bring their little ones to swim with us have been through the loss of a child. Tommy’s also supports these families which makes it all the more important to us. We’re all so pleased to support the charity, so thank you to all our swimmers!”
“In time, they’ll realise what they’ve achieved, holding that joy in their hearts forever. The cuteness of superhero babies makes me smile until it hurts, then on top of that knowing they’re helping people who have gone through so much, what a feeling. Around these events there’s such an incredible sense of caring and selflessness. If we can help even just one family, we’re extremely happy, so to help even more is the best thing in the world.”
If you would like to donate to Tommy’s, please visit https://www.tommys.org/donate or for more information about Water Babies, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk/lp/baby-swimming/bucks-and-beds