Devon’s littlest fundraisers make a splash for charity

Babies and toddlers across Devon are donning pirate hats and sea creature costumes this May as they dive into ‘Splashathon’, a nationwide charity fundraiser held at Water Babies swimming classes. The joyful initiative aims to raise vital funds for Tommy’s, the UK’s leading pregnancy charity, and the Children’s Alliance, which advocates for every child’s right to a healthy start in life.

In Devon, Splashathon events are making waves at popular local venues including Cofton Holiday Park, Ellen Tinkham School in Exeter, and Pitfield House, bringing families together for water-based challenges, games, and aquatic adventures — all while supporting a powerful cause.

Over 37,000 Water Babies from across the UK are taking part in this year’s Splashathon, which is set to raise £650,000. That funding could support a Tommy’s research centre for eight months, helping scientists investigate the causes of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. It will also help the Children’s Alliance support national projects focused on ensuring every child has safe, equitable access to water, fostering their development and well-being.

Water Babies classes, which have been running since 2002 and now teach over 80,000 children worldwide, combine swimming lessons with purposeful play to develop critical life skills, confidence, and water safety awareness. Splashathon is a chance for the youngest swimmers to show off what they’ve learned, all while helping babies and families beyond the pool.

Tommy’s CEO Kath Abrahams said: “Splashathon is a fabulous way for children to have fun in support of a vital cause. We’re grateful to every family taking part and everyone who’s working hard to make it happen at swimming pools around the UK.”

Tamsin Brewis at Children’s Alliance said: “We can’t wait for Splashathon and to watch families come together in their swimming lessons for this special sponsored event. We’re so appreciative of every water baby taking part, who will be helping us to give better starts and brighter futures to children across the country.”

Tommy’s is the UK’s largest pregnancy and baby loss charity, working to stop the heartbreak of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth through groundbreaking research, policy advocacy, and frontline support. Learn more at www.tommys.org

The Children’s Alliance, founded by Water Babies, campaigns to make the first five years of life count, supporting early years policy, water access, and community wellbeing projects. Find out more at childrensalliance.org.uk

Since its founding by Paul Thompson in 2002, Water Babies has grown into the world’s largest baby swim school, offering classes through over 52 franchise locations and a team of 600+ teachers. The company has been recognised for its excellence in teaching, leadership, and family-friendly business practice, most recently achieving B Corp™ certification and ranking second in the UK’s Elite Franchise Top 100 in December 2024.

For more information on Water Babies or how to support Splashathon in Devon, visit: www.waterbabies.co.uk