A FUND-RAISING mum has smashed her target to provide a baby changing and feeding tent at this year’s River Festival.
While many new mums say they enjoy the annual event, Nina Law – who runs a Bumps and Babies group in Stratford for charity the National Childbirth Trust – said they were short of somewhere to change and feed their babies privately.
She booked a pitch at the hugely popular free festival – which will be held this year on Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1 – and then set about raising money to buy a tent and equipment.
And within days she had surpassed her £500 target.
She told the Observer: “As a parent myself I felt it would be good to offer this at the River Festival. Parents I know from our baby groups all agreed it would be a great idea. It will be to compliment the festival and enhance people’s visit.
“The tent will be a sanctuary away from the throngs of the festival goers, where you can feed your baby or change them in an area fit for purpose.
“We surpassed the target thanks to very generous donations which I am truly touched by. I am very grateful to everyone who has supported us.
“Any extra funds donated will buy more equipment for the tent and advertising materials to showcase what we do as a branch.”
And Stratford mum Maria Stella welcomed the news she would have somewhere to tend to her baby at the festival.
She said: “It will be very reassuring to know there is somewhere calm and comfortable to change or feed my baby, rather than worrying about finding somewhere among the crowds and noise at the festival. I will feel more relaxed and able to enjoy myself with my family.”
And Nina does not just plan for the tent to be used at the River Festival – she also hopes it will be used at other events across the district where parents may struggle to find somewhere to look after their baby.
Visit www.gofundme.com/a-tent-we-need-to-change-and-feed to donate or find out more.
