Toddle Waddle is a fun way for the under 5s to do their bit to promote awareness of meningitis and raise money with their very own sponsored walk, or waddle.
We love Toddle Waddle! It is one of our biggest fundraisers and thousands of children (and quite a few mums and dads) take part every year.
We’ve been running Toddle Waddle for more than 12 years now and the money raised helps us continue to provide much needed practical and emotional support to families in the UK who have been affected by meningitis.
We’d love you to join in with this year’s events – whether you organise a Toddle Waddle for your nursery, parent group or club or join in with one of our public events. It’s up to you how you join in and we have all the ingredients you need to make sure you and your little waddlers have a great time.
Money your toddlers raise by taking part in Toddle Waddle can make a big difference to other toddlers, toddlers like Alissa.
Alissa's story
Alissa fell ill on her first birthday and at first her parents thought she might have chickenpox. The next morning they noticed a purple spot which didn't fade when a glass was placed over it.
They called an ambulance and Alissa was rushed to hospital where tests showed she had the most serious form of meningitis, meningococcal meningitis with septicaemia. Alissa pulled through after a couple of days in a coma but doctors had to amputate both her legs and most of her right hand.
Her dad Manuel said: "It was a shock but we were just so grateful that Alissa was alive.”
With the support of the Meningitis Trust, the family is getting on with their lives.
Manuel said: "Alissa has recently been given the all clear from brain damage and has just started taking her first steps on her prosthetic legs. She is being so brave about it."
Watch the video below to see Alissa taking her first steps without holding onto anyone's hand or click here to find out more about how we've helped Alissa and her family.
