Akeelah is toddling for Barnado’s

Two year old is heading for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
by Emdad Rahman
The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is the UK’s biggest charity event for under 5s: this year around 300,000 children will take part. It is a short sponsored walk for toddlers that helps the UK’s most disadvantaged under 5s.
Two year old Akeelah attends Barnado’s Bow Nursery and later this month she will join other toddlers on the half mile walk around the queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This is an exclusive and fun event for children by children.
Every year there is a fancy dress theme and this year it’s “space”. This means all toddlers (and adults) are invited to dress up as astronauts, aliens, stars or planets as they take off along the Big Toddle route. No matter which costume they choose, every child taking part will be a star as all the money raised will help Barnardo’s to give children the best start in life and to fulfil their potential. Akeelah and her friends will make a difference to many other children’s, lives as well as having a day to remember.
Akeelah’s parents are very proud indeed. Her mother Hafsa said: “Tower Hamlets is a place where so much giving to charity takes place. Akeelah is surrounded by role models and we are so happy that family and friends will join us to support her fundraising.”
“Akeelah absolutely loves Barnado’s,” said her father, Mustafa. “She has developed so much and her happiness and positivity rub off on everyone else. It’s super that she is walking to fundraise for a place that is so special to her.”
Akeelah herself was more succinet. “I’m walking for babies,” she announced, before heading off to train.
“The Big Toddle will be a family walk,” said Bow Nursery manager Emma Van Rooyen. “Parents, family and friends can enjoy a picnic, followed by a collective walk. We expect sunshine and great fun is guaranteed.”
•For information about the Big Toddle please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/bigtoddle
•Barnado’s Bow Nursery is based at 95 Bromley High Street, London E3 3EN, tel. 020-8983 7973.