Tiny toes ballet raises over £27,000 for Alder Hey

Thousands of young dancers from tiny toes ballet, an award-winning UK-wide ballet franchise, have raised more than £27,000 for Alder Hey Children's Charity through a nationwide fundraising effort.

Children aged six months to seven years took part in fun runs, bake sales, and raffles with their families, aiming to collectively run the equivalent of a marathon - 26 miles - in support of one of Europe’s busiest children’s hospitals. That target was smashed, with the team clocking up more than 328 miles in total - over 12 and a half marathons.

With more than 4,000 pupils across the UK, tiny toes ballet is committed to both nurturing a passion for dance and teaching children the value of compassion and supporting others.

tiny toes Marathon Challenge

The fundraising initiative began in October 2024, and over the following months tiny toes ballet pupils took part in events to raise money for Alder Hey. The campaign culminated on Sunday, April 27, when tiny toes ballet founder and director, Emma Morgan, completed the Manchester Marathon as the final leg of the challenge. Emma, who is not a regular runner, said she felt compelled to lead by example.

“I wanted to show our dancers that giving back is just as important as pursuing your passions.

“I may not be a runner, but I’m dedicated to finishing what I started, just as we encourage our students to persevere in everything they do.”

- Emma Morgan, tiny toes ballet founder

Alder Hey, based in Liverpool, treats more than 450,000 children annually and is renowned for its world-class care. Funds raised by tiny toes ballet will go towards vital services and life-saving treatments for children in need.

The fundraising effort was supported by tiny toes ballet’s dedicated community, with parents, local businesses, and franchisees getting involved in a variety of ways. From organising bake sales and raffle prize donations, to helping with local fun runs, the response has been overwhelming. One franchisee shared:

“I really enjoy fundraising. You get such a buzz knowing how much you are helping others with every bit you raise. It's so lovely to see everyone get behind you too, I cannot believe the generosity from some customers. I give the fundraiser my all, as it deserves it!”

“During the marathon, people’s kindness, claps, and shouts of encouragement really got me through it.

"After all the kindness and dedication of the tiny toes team and the tiny toes families and children all helping to raise money, to then run and be surrounded by such generosity and kindness was overwhelming.”

- Miss Emma

Tiny toes ballet has a history of supporting charitable causes, including fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital and offering dance sessions for siblings of young patients. Emma plans to continue her work with Alder Hey by offering workshops and classes at the hospital in the near future. For more information or to donate to the cause, please visit the tiny toes ballet JustGiving page here.

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