BOYS AND girls hopped, skipped and jumped through a ‘Danceathon’ in Greenfield as part of a campaign to raise £100,000 for Tommy’s baby charity.

The youngsters aged 18 months to six years old were sponsored to complete a Peppa Pig themed dance lesson run by Babyballet Oldham and Saddleworth at The Royal George, Manchester Road.

The little ones went on an imaginary journey with Peppa and George Pig as well as being Princes and Princesses at Buckingham Palace and dancing in front of the Queen.

Together the 13,500 Babyballet classess across the country have raised £214,000 so far for Tommy’s – beating their £100,000 target – with the Danceathon supported by Arla Big Milk.

Diana, from the charity, said: “That’s enough to fund the Tommy’s Manchester Research Centre for six months where doctors and scientists are dedicated to finding answers to stillbirth.

“Tragically around 3,500 parents every year in the UK suffer this devastating loss.

“Little ones in Oldham have raised over £3,000 so far – that could keep the Tommy’s PregnancyLine information service open for two weeks, providing parents with emotional and bereavement counselling, help planning a pregnancy after a complication and lifestyle advice for women most at risk.”

She added: “Children have loved dancing the special Peppa themed lesson and parents have been so proud of their little ones and raising so much money in what is for so many their first ever sponsored event.”

Sally Makin, Principal and Teacher at Babyballet Oldham and Saddleworth, added: “We have raised over £2,000 and counting and we’re incredibly proud of the little ones and grateful to their grown-ups for their support.”

Babyballet offers ballet and dance class, and children’s parties, for all ages. Call Sally Makin 07731 455533 to find out more or visit their website: www.babyballet.co.uk

Find out more about Tommy’s online: www.tommys.org