Local tots are dancing to save babies’ lives

Children from Oldham and Saddleworth babyballet® classes have been showcasing their dancing skills for the past two weeks with a ‘Danceathon’ fundraiser in aid of the pregnancy and baby charity, Tommy’s.

Dancers from six months to six years old have been sponsored to complete dancing challenges in a specially themed ‘When I Grow Up’ event at the babyballet Dance Studio in Chadderton and the Satellite Centre in Greenfield.

Inspired by what they want to be when they’re older, children have been dressing up for the class too.

Together with 30,000 babyballet® dancers from across the UK, the Oldham and Saddleworth event aimed to raise £350,000 for Tommy’s, but has already surpassed a whopping £428,000.

This could fund all of the research studies and data science experts at a vital Tommy’s research centre for almost 12 months.

Half of all adults in the UK have experienced baby loss or know someone who has.

Tommy’s is committed to saving babies’ lives, funding medical research and supporting families through every part of their pregnancy journey.

Sally Makin, from babyballet® Oldham, said: “All of us at babyballet® Oldham and Saddleworth are really excited to be taking part in Danceathon.

"With the help of our amazing teachers, Miss Annie and Miss Layla, we aimed to raise £5,000 locally, and of course give the children a really exciting class, whilst they fundraise to help save babies’ lives.

"We absolutely smashed that target and are currently at £9,026 with lots more still coming in.

"How amazing it would be to get to £10k!”

Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, said: “Danceathon is a fabulous way for children to have fun in support of a vital cause.

"We’re grateful to all the babyballet® dancers who are fundraising, to their parents and carers and to the dance teachers working hard to make it happen at classes across the UK.”

Lucy Crabtree at babyballet® said: “We can’t wait for Danceathon and to see everyone joining in this very special sponsored event in their babyballet® class.

"Thank you to all our wonderful customers for coming together and helping save babies’ lives.”

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