A BAT girl, two spider men, a transformer and many more colourful characters took part in a sponsored five mile fancy dress walk on Saturday afternoon.

The sponsored walk around Coate Water Country Park was organised by a group of mums for their children to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

The group of mums and a husband met through Facebook and decided it would be a great thing to do with their children for other children.

Victoria Benton, who organised the event with Georgia Entwhistle, was 29 yesterday and said it was a great way to celebrate.

Although her own child has never needed care from GOSH she said she understands that it could happen to anyone and that was the main reason behind doing the sponsored walk.

“My son Oscar was born eight weeks early and he was in special care for a while. We are lucky now that everything is okay but anything can happen at any time to anyone," she said.

"In the future we could have another child and you never know the outcome.”

Saturday remained bright and sunny for most of the day helping to make the walk that took around two hours a little bit easier. The rain held off until the walkers returned home.

Victoria, who works for Zurich, said: “It was a nice way to spend my birthday weekend. We all stuck together and the weather helped make the day more enjoyable. The fancy dress made the children happy and it was a great laugh.

“The children didn’t really know each other that well but they all got on and it was great to see them all walking together and avoiding getting in the push chairs.”

The youngest child to take part was only six weeks old and was pushed around in a pram while the oldest child was eight years old.

The mum of one said that she had set a target of £150 but has now raised £520.

She is hopeful that Zurich will match whatever she raises and is currently waiting on a decision from the head office.

“It was a great day for all and it was a thoroughly enjoyable way to raise money for a good cause,” said Victoria.

GOSH provides care for young patients and their families and provides accommodation and other support services.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Victoria-Benton