Calling all primary schools: The search is on for a new Mr Men or Little Miss character

Children with Cancer UK, the national charity dedicated to research into childhood cancer, has partnered with Mister Men Ltd to launch a series of Mr Men themed challenges for primary schools across the country to raise funds for the charity.

The challenges give students of all ages the opportunity to make their own unique contribution to the iconic series and enhance creative story telling skills, while raising money for an important cause through sponsorship. The competition includes designing a new Mr Men or Little Miss character and writing a new Mr Men and Little Miss story:

.      Younger students (ages 3-6) can take part in the colouring-in challenge to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK

.      Ages 6-9 can design a new Mr Men or Little Miss character

.      Ages 8-11 write a new Mr Men and Little Miss story

The entries will pored over by the Mr Men designers and Children Cancer UK team, and the winners will be brought to life and featured in the Mr Men Little Miss magazine, which has a readership of 40,000, as well as across Children with Cancer UK’s national fundraising campaigns.

Teachers can sign up to the challenge at www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/mrmenlittlemiss to receive a challenge pack containing all the materials needed to get pupils started. The deadline for submission is 31^st August 2016 and national competition winners will be announced on 15^th September 2016.

This is the first wave of activity since Children with Cancer UK announced a renewed partnership with Mister Men Ltd, a subsidiary of Sanrio, in April 2016. Children with Cancer UK began working with the Mr Men and Little Miss characters in 1999 and the characters have featured on many previous fundraising campaigns including the Mr Men and Little Miss Running Team at the Virgin Money London Marathon. They will use the famous Mr Men and Little Miss characters in future fundraising initiatives and to help raise awareness of the charity.

Cliff O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Children with Cancer UK, said: “We want all primary schools to take part in designing a new Mr Men or Little Miss character. Mr Tickle, Little Miss Sunshine, and Mr Bump have been a part of so many people’s childhoods, and it is exciting to be able to give a new generation the opportunity to create an inspiring character.

“The Mr Men and Little Miss series has been a national treasure for almost 45 years and Children with Cancer UK is very proud to be launching this challenge.

“By taking part in our Mr Men and Little Miss Challenges school pupils, parents and teachers can help children today and in the future – and save a young life that might otherwise be lost forever.”