Sophia's sponsored scoot to help save her nursery in Leeds village

Four-year-old Sophia Carr is set for a sponsored scooter ride to raise hundreds of pounds to help save a Leeds village's charity-run nursery, which is facing the threat of closure.
By Mark Lavery
Published 6th Jan 2021, 16:45 BST
Updated 6th Jan 2021, 18:11 BST
Sophia Carr on her scooterSophia Carr on her scooter
Sophia Carr on her scooter

Sophia is due to do a 5K sponsored scoot later this month in aid of ABC Daycare in Allerton Bywater.

More than £600 has been pledged to 'Sophia's Sponsored Scoot' GoFundMe page.

Campaign to save children's nursery in Leeds village

Sophia Carr with mum Charlotte MensahSophia Carr with mum Charlotte Mensah
Sophia Carr with mum Charlotte Mensah
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Parents have joined staff and children in a fundraising drive to help save the nursery, which has operated for 15 years,.

Fears have been raised it may have to close its doors due to a fall in income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sophia's mum Charlotte Mensah said her daughter has been going to the nursery two days a week since September.

Charlotte, 27, is a Leeds Trinity University student studying psychology and child development.

Pupils at ABC Daycare Nursery at Allerton Bywater demonstrating to save the nursery Photo: Gary LongbottomPupils at ABC Daycare Nursery at Allerton Bywater demonstrating to save the nursery Photo: Gary Longbottom
Pupils at ABC Daycare Nursery at Allerton Bywater demonstrating to save the nursery Photo: Gary Longbottom
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She said: "It is a lovely nursery and Sophia loves it. It is a massive part of the community.

"All the parents that send their children there love it and all the children are happy there.

"If it was shut I would struggle for childcare.

"Sophia loves her scooter and I just thought this would raise around £100, but the donations just keep coming in.

Pupils at ABC Daycare Nursery at Allerton Bywater demonstrating to save the nursery Photo: Gary LongbottomPupils at ABC Daycare Nursery at Allerton Bywater demonstrating to save the nursery Photo: Gary Longbottom
Pupils at ABC Daycare Nursery at Allerton Bywater demonstrating to save the nursery Photo: Gary Longbottom

"I'm overwhelmed and we massively appreciate how much everyone has supported us. I'm really grateful."

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A total of 19 staff work at ABC Daycare - a charity run by Allerton Bywater Community Partnership.

Nursery manager Leighann Lowe has now launched a 'Save Our Nursery' GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign, which has so far raised more than £3,200 towards a £5,000 target.

Parents and other children are also doing their own sponsored fundraising activities in a bid to support the appeal.

Related topics:LeedsParents

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