Charlotte’s Hippodrome Seat Challenge

Since the age of 4, Charlotte Geraghty a Year 5 pupil at Knowle Park Primary School has done some amazing things to try and raise money for The Cots for Tots Appeal which helps support the Special Care Baby Unit at St Michael's Hospital.

After seeing a poster in the hospital when visiting her Mum and her new born baby brother in 2011, Charlotte asked what the Cots for Tots Appeal was and her mum, Claire, explained that some babies needed help when they were first born. Ever since then all Charlotte wants to do is help the babies, and to date she has raised more than £2,200.00 for the Appeal.

Charlotte loves going to The Bristol Hippodrome to see shows and collect autographs afterwards. In January of this year she was invited down to The Bristol Hippodrome to meet the comedian Andy Ford who was appearing in the pantomime. While standing at the front of the stage looking out into the auditorium, Charlotte asked her mum, "How many seats are there?" Andy heard her and told her just short of 2000. Charlotte then asked, "How long would it take to sit in every seat?" Her mum replied, "I don't know." Charlotte then gave a huge grin and said, "Perhaps I could try." Now her idea is coming to life with her Hippodrome Seat Challenge!

Charlotte said, "I am so excited, I can't wait for the day to come and it will be brilliant to say I have sat in every single seat. I really want to try and raise lots of money for the Cots for Tots Appeal by completing the challenge!" Charlotte has been practicing hard at home and had a rehearsal at the theatre and her parents know Charlotte will put her heart into her Hippodrome Seat Challenge.

“We couldn’t help but say yes after hearing of Charlotte’s proposed Hippodrome Seat Challenge, especially after meeting her and seeing how enthusiastic she is. Although it’s never been done before, we have no doubt that she’ll be finished by the time the Lord of the Dance matinee starts later that day!”  Sarah Milne, Press Officer, The Bristol Hippodrome.

Anna Shepherd, deputy director, The Cots for Tots Appeal, said, “The Cots for Tots Appeal raises funds to support the world-class work at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, as well as to run Cots for Tots House, which provides accommodation free of charge for parents while their babies are receiving treatment. We would not be able to continue to support this very important appeal if it wasn’t for fantastic fundraisers like Charlotte, and we wish her the very best luck for her Hippodrome Seat Challenge!”

To sponsor Charlotte, visit her fundraising page click here.