In a hotly contested buggy push event, George Hide (with son Dougie) ran away in first place. Last year's winner, Steve Brine MP, came home fifth after starting off the event, following a fun warm up from Simon and Stefan from getfit121.com. The event was attended by over 300 local people.
In addition to a tombola and raffle, which was generously supported by many city businesses, one lucky family won a £100 gift voucher from main event sponsor JoJo Maman Bèbè. There were several baby and family themed stalls along with toddler activities that kept the crowds entertained.
In total the buggy push and fete raised £4500 with a further cheque of £4000 presented to NCT breastfeeding counsellors Jennie Gavin and Jane Moffett by the Winchester Round Table after its outgoing chairman nominated NCT B.A.B.I.E.S. as his charity to support.
NCT volunteer and mum organiser Helen Fisher said: "Before the event our B.A.B.I.E.S. service was due to run out of funds in October. Now it can continue for another year and we're absolutely thrilled.
"NCT B.A.B.I.E.S. - Babies And Breastfeeding Information Encouragement and Support – is a weekly drop in session with trained counsellors at the Lanterns Children's Centre which is open to any mum in the Winchester area, including Stockbridge, Alresford, and the surrounding villages. It's a vital and valued lifeline when breastfeeding doesn't go to plan and parents need urgent support.
"It was a great effort, not only from the volunteer mum organising committee but also from all those who entered the buggy push and the family members who turned up to support the event. I would like to thank them all. Ending the day with £8500 for B.A.B.I.E.S. was beyond our wildest dreams. It will inspire us to do even better next year!"
Steve added:"Once again I had a great time, and I am really pleased to hear that they raised so much money. It is also great to see so many local businesses getting on board, and I can't wait to come back next year and have another crack at reclaiming my first place from last year!"
Pictured; Steve and Emily in full flow, copyright Hilltop Studio
More information...
For more information about the NCT and the event, go to www.nct.org.uk/winchester and
http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/winchester-district/breastfeeding/babies/winchester-summer-fete-2011