The rain kept falling but youngsters refused to let their spirits be dampened as they embarked on a record-breaking three days of fundraising at Dudley Zoo and Castle.
Organisers of The Big Toddle in aid of children’s charity Barnardos are hoping for a bit of sunshine, involving 2,500 toddlers and parents over three days, for the final session next Thursday. But for almost 700 of them who walked half a mile for sponsorship around the popular attraction yesterday, the almost constant downpours were like water off a duck’s back.
David Lavender, marketing assistant at the zoo and castle, said: “Everyone came very well prepared with wellies and macs all round.
“We also opened up the Queen Mary restaurant to them so they could eat the picnics and sandwiches they had brought with them.
“Fortunately having the gibbons and the sea lions on the route gave the toddlers plenty to keep themselves occupied while they were walking so the rain didn’t bother them at all, everyone was still smiling.”
The event has been running every year for more than a decade but organisers had to split this year’s event over three days because it has become so popular. The Big Toddle continues to be the biggest fundraiser for under-fives in the country and Dudley event is the biggest held in the Midlands. Last year 2,000 children helped Birmingham and the Black Country raise £52,000. At least 620 youngsters were expected to take part today.
Barnardo’s fundraiser Pauline Clark said: “All our organised events around the country are really popular but the Dudley event has just snowballed over the years.”
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