Children's Halloween Toddle returns to Roundhay Park raising funds for Leeds Children's Hospital

The charity is inviting under fives to join in the 1km walk on Saturday October 31, wearing their best spooky costumes to raise funds for Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The Toddle is set to be a fun day out for the entire family, welcoming parents, carers, siblings, and supporters to cheer little legs on and enjoy the activities together.

One of the toddlers’ taking part is three-year-old Teddy Johnson, from Leeds, who will be joined by his eight-year-old sister Ivy, two-year-old brother Archie, and parents Laura and Chris.

Teddy has been cared for at Leeds Children's Hospital since he was a baby. Teddy was born five weeks early and spent a week in hospital receiving specialist care before he was well enough to go home.

Soon after turning one, Teddy had his first seizure and was blue lighted to Leeds Children's Hospital. Following a series of admissions, scans and tests, doctors diagnosed him with a rare neurological condition called hemimegalencephaly (HME) where half of the brain grows differently to the other half, causing seizures.

Teddy’s mum Laura is grateful to the hospital team who have cared for her little boy, she said: "When Teddy had his first seizure, it was one of the most frightening experiences of my life.

"Watching your child become unresponsive and struggle to breathe leaves you feeling completely helpless. As a parent, all you want to do is make it better, but there was nothing I could do except trust the team caring for him."

"Since then, we've spent a lot of time at Leeds Children's Hospital as Teddy has to be blue lighted to hospital every time he has a seizure. The doctors, nurses and wider team have been incredible, and we've always felt reassured knowing he is receiving the best possible care."

Teddy continues to receive ongoing care at Leeds Children's Hospital to help manage his condition. Despite the challenges he faces, Teddy is a happy and active little boy and is reaching milestones that his family once worried might not be possible.

Laura said: “Understandably, hospital visits can be scary for Teddy, but the Play Team, funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity, have made such a difference. They've always been a friendly face, helping him feel more like himself through play and distraction, and bringing moments of fun during what can be very difficult days for our family.

"Leeds Children's Hospital has done so much for Teddy and our family, so taking part in the Toddle is our way of giving something back and helping other children who need that same support."

Laura has previously taken part in the Toddle with daughter Ivy, but this time taking part with Teddy after everything he’s been through, means so much to the family.

It costs just £5 to sign up a child, while accompanying adults go free. All funds raised will support Leeds Children's Hospital, helping fund initiatives that bring hope, happiness and comfort to young patients and their families.

To find out more and sign up, visit: www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/toddle