BABY ballet dancers raised almost £9,000 for charity by taking part in a danceathon.

Babies and toddlers from babyballet East Thurrock, Laindon, Southend and Leigh galloped, jumped and danced with Peppa Pig during their weekly class and raised £8,874.50 for the baby charity Tommy’s as they took part in a ‘Danceathon’ fundraiser.

Boys and girls, aged six months to five-years-old, were sponsored to complete five challenges in a Peppa Pig themed dance lesson.

Nationally, babyballet have raised an incredible £390,442.54.

Little ones went on an imaginary journey with Princess Peppa from their classroom to a fun-filled tea party to help fund Tommy’s vital research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

The Danceathon is raising money for Tommy’s vital research.

Tommy’s funds four research centres in the UK that investigate causes and find treatments for miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

Keiley Evans, owner of Babyballet East Thurrock, Laindon, Southend and Leigh said: “I am extremely proud of all our babyballet stars, parents and teachers.

“We raised an incredible amount and it is all for such a great charity that is close to so many families’ hearts.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone involved in this year’s Danceathon, raising money for Tommy’s.”

Tommy’s also provides advice, help and support from a team of midwives for all parents-to-be to help them have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

In the UK, it is estimated that one in four pregnancies end in loss during pregnancy or birth.

Tommy’s funds medical research into the prevention of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

To find out more about babyballet lessons near you, please email Miss Keiley at eastthurrock@babyballet.co.uk or call 07393 395161.

For more information about Tommy’s visit www.tommys.org