By Matthew Legg Business editor

Last updated at 16:00, Friday, 11 May 2012

Meet the ‘wedding crecher’. Carlisle mum Lyndsey Rafferty has launched a mobile childminding service to help take the strain during special events.

Lyndsey Rafferty

The Event Nannies will take over childcare during big days like weddings and funerals to help children fight off boredom and allow adults to focus on the event.

The 33-year-old came up with idea after having to juggle her son Oliver, who was 15 months old at the time, with her bridal duties at her own wedding.

“I remember the day after feeling guilty because I hadn’t been able to get round and speak to everyone,” she said. “It’s really difficult because you want to enjoy the day and fulfil all of your duties, but you need to devote so much of your time to your children.

“The feedback I’ve had so far has been amazing. Everyone is saying what a good idea it is and how they wish they’d had it at their wedding.

“The idea is not take children away from the event – a wedding is a celebration for children as well as adults. I just want to help people make the most of their day.

“We’ve all seen children at weddings ending up charging around and getting into trouble. This way we can help them to do more constructive things. It also means the adults can focus on the day and enjoy a drink at the temperature it’s supposed to be, rather than lukewarm.”

The service is available for children of all ages and the company provides toys, games and activities.

Its team of fully qualified childminders can organise activities like crafts and treasure hunts.

Lyndsey has worked as a nursery nurse for 18 years.

“I was always being asked to help out with kids at weddings so I knew the demand was there,” she said.

“I’ve done a few weddings and a funeral so far and the feedback has been very positive.

“One of the girls was in tears; she had twin girls and she passed them over and had such a fantastic time. She said she couldn’t thank me enough and was trying to give me more money!

“My friends are saying they wish I’d been doing this for their weddings.

“The safety aspect is important as well; it gives parents peace of mind.

“Often people will share looking after a child at a special event, but you find when everyone thinks someone else is watching them, that’s when problems can occur.

“This way people know where their child is, that they are being looked after and entertained and they can see them anytime they want.”

For more information call Lyndsey on 07825 916767.

First published at 14:05, Friday, 11 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk