Scallywags Nursery, Edgworth, has marathon fundraiser

Former parents of Scallywags Preschool, Bret Parker and Victoria Pickup, will run the marathon on June 6, starting and finishing at Edgworth Cricket and Recreation Club.

The fundraiser was organised after this year’s “Mini Mighty Funday” could not go ahead due to works around the Wayoh area and refurbishment at the village cricket club.

Susan Hodgkiss, Manager of Scallywags, said: “It is usually an annual village day in Edgworth.

(Image: Scallywags Preschool)

“It raises money for the nursery and helps us raise money for nursery enhancements over the following months.”

The nursery said the annual fundraiser normally raises around £1,500, which helps pay for outings, learning materials and extra activities for children.

Scallywags, which is a charity-funded nursery, said it receives limited government funding and relies heavily on fundraising and community support.

The nursery said rising costs, including rent, electricity, staff wages and National Insurance increases, have added further pressure.

Mrs Hodgkiss said: “We only have 20 children, we’re only tiny, so when you only get a small amount of money from the government, it makes everything tight.

(Image: Scallywags Preschool)

“This extra money that we get from fundraising helps.”

The marathon route will link key parts of the village, including the school, cricket club and The Barlow.

She said the nursery helped both their children and family build long-lasting friendships in the village.

Mrs Hodgkiss said donations had already nearly reached the nursery’s usual fundraising total after only one week.

She added: “As the manager and from the staff as well, we want to say a really big thank you not just to Bret and Vic but to the community for making the donations.

“Thank you so much.”

To support the two visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-scally-the-wag?

The page states: “This is a callout to the community. As most of you as children and adults will know, Scallywags Preschool has been a part of our village history for many years. If you didn’t attend as a pupil then your children probably did.

“We don’t just want to raise enough to see them through to next year, we want to support them with up to date learning aids and electronics for our children. So with your help and that of a few sponsors. Let’s make our children’s future and a village legacy a brighter place.”

It adds: “Without your help we could lose our beloved Scallywags.”