Banbury's Water Babies wow little ones with year-long birthday cake giveaway

Last month hundreds of little ones from across Oxfordshire joined the swim team to celebrate their 15th year in business, with a big birthday bonanza.

Tamsin Brewis, who owns the business, however, wanted to do something extra special for her little swimmers throughout the year by making sure she recognised their birthdays too.

Every month, Tamsin and her team awarded one of their local swimmers with a box of birthday cupcakes, to be shared with friends and family.

Throughout the year, parents were encouraged to take part in Tamsin’s cupcake giveaway, by posting a photo of their little one celebrating their birthday on the Water Babies Bucks and Beds official Facebook group.

Tamsin and the office team would then pick a child, at random, before hand-delivering the box of cakes for the birthday boy or girl to enjoy. Hundreds of families entered the prize draw, with 12 boxes awarded on a monthly basis throughout the year.

One family who were happily surprised to receive the box of cakes for their sweet-toothed little girl, Francesca, were Nicola and Kenton Bromby, from Hanwell.

“Francesca turned two in May and we had a lovely party with all of our family and friends to celebrate,” explained Nicola.

“Every birthday is extra special for us because Francesca is a rainbow baby - we lost her big sister, Siena, a few years ago. Winning the box of Water Babies cupcakes meant so much to us as it felt like a little sign from Siena that Francesca was supposed to have a particularly wonderful day.

“Francesca very much enjoyed the cupcakes, that’s for sure – me and her dad didn’t get a look in!

"We’re so thankful to Tamsin and Water Babies for everything they do for local families. Of course, it’s really important to us that Francesca and our youngest, Savannah, have confidence in the water but we also appreciate how welcome the team make us feel.

"Francesca has so much fun that she hardly realises she’s learning. Water Babies are her favourite people in the world – especially when they give her cupcakes to enjoy.”

Tamsin is a firm believer in the importance of wellbeing for children and their families, which is why she launched the birthday cake giveaway in January.

“Water Babies Bucks and Beds wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of the lovely families who swim with us. My team and I have taught over 7,000 little ones over the years and every single child holds a very special place in my heart.

"Our 15th birthday is just as much about our community of swimmers as it is about the success of the business, so I really wanted to do something special for our big birthday. When you’re under 5, you can’t get more special than birthday cupcakes.

She added: “This year has been tremendous, and I’d like to thank all the families and my amazing staff for making it so wonderful. Now that we’re about to enter a new decade, I’m looking forward to meeting new little swimmers in January and helping more families to raise confident and happy children in 2020.

"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!”