Huge Humpty Dumpty sculpture appears on London wall – and he’s been put back together again

The two-and-a-half metre-high egg has been hand crafted then bandaged up in the capital – and it’s all in the name of a very important cause

A massive Humpty Dumpty sculpture has popped up on a wall in central London – and he’s been pieced back together. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men appear to have been hard at work, as the two-and-a-half metre-high egg is fully bandaged up. The installation, which took 28 days to handcraft and weighs over 85 kilos, is perched atop a wall in Potter’s Field.

This follows research by Yoplait, the creators of Petits Filous, which found that nine out of 10 parents are confident they understand their child’s nutritional needs – but question whether they are meeting them. The survey of 2,000 mums and dads with children aged four to 10 discovered that 58 per cent regularly worry about whether they are providing their little one with the correct nutrition, despite claiming their knowledge is good.

It served to underscore such confusion, with 28 per cent unsure about sugar content in food, 25 per cent unclear about what constitutes a ‘balanced diet’, and 24 per cent struggling to identify signs of nutrient deficiencies. And 34 per cent blame unclear food labels, while 29 per cent simply lack access to the expert advice they need.

According to Yoplait, calcium intake has plummeted dramatically over the past decade, and nearly 20 per cent of 4 to 10 year olds are now deficient in vitamin D each spring, putting their long-term bone health at serious risk. Yet, many parents mistakenly believe this is a problem for later life, missing the chance to strengthen bones while they’re still growing.

The brand has partnered with bestselling children’s author and father-of-three, Tom Fletcher, to launch a national campaign addressing the hidden crisis of childhood calcium and vitamin D deficiency. The campaign begins with a reimagining of nursery rhyme icon Humpty Dumpty. Once a symbol of fragility, Humpty is now portrayed as bouncing back stronger, emphasising the importance of calcium and vitamin D in building healthy bones from an early age.

Tom Fletcher stated: “As a parent, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of daily life – and nutrition can sometimes take a back seat. But what people don’t realise is that calcium and vitamin D deficiency in children is quite common. If kids don’t get enough during their crucial growing years, it can have a lasting impact on their bone health. The great news is that it’s easy to make a difference.

“Something as simple as adding a fortified yoghurt to their daily routine can give them the calcium and vitamin D they need to build healthy bones. I loved reimagining the Humpty Dumpty rhyme for this campaign – it’s such a lovely and playful way to deliver a serious message. Humpty’s great fall is the perfect reminder of what can happen when we don’t build our kids up properly from the inside out.”

The research suggests a significant part of the crisis is due to confusion with social media myths, shifting trends, and conflicting health advice pushing parents away from trusted sources of nutrition. Nearly three in 10 people steer clear of yoghurt due to worries about sugar or artificial sweeteners, often swayed by online misinformation.

While 53 per cent recognise brittle bones, delayed growth (40 per cent), and rickets (40 per cent) as signs of calcium or vitamin D deficiency, this knowledge doesn’t always lead to action.

The survey also revealed that 31 per cent find it challenging to get their children to consume enough nutrient-rich foods, while 22 per cent are unsure about how much of each nutrient their child requires, and the same number have never heard of food fortification.

Speaking in collaboration with Yoplait, which has teamed up with Mumsnet and the National Schools Partnership to reach thousands of families at home and in schools to promote action and awareness, dietitian Dr. Carrie Ruxton said: “Many parents still underestimate the value of simple foods like fortified yoghurts, which are packed with the nutrients kids need.

“There’s been a trend towards parents swapping out yoghurts for less nutritious options like biscuits or unfortified snacks but this would have the effect of limiting the essential nutrients that children need for growth and development.”

Antoine Hours, from the brand, added: “Parents are navigating conflicting advice about nutrition, leaving them often uncertain about whether their children are getting the right nutrients. Small dietary changes, like adding calcium-rich foods such as fortified yoghurt, can have a significant impact.

“Humpty Dumpty has long been seen as a symbol of fragility. With Tom Fletcher’s updated version of the story, he serves as the perfect icon to remind parents and children alike of the importance of nutrition in growing up strong and resilient.”

DR. CARRIE RUXTON’S TOP TIPS FOR STRONGER BONES:

1. Aim to provide children with 2-3 dairy servings daily to boost calcium and wholesome protein intake. Choices might include milk, fortified yoghurts, and cheese for snacks or within meals.
2. Scrutinise food packaging for calcium and vitamin D levels – and don’t be wary of ‘fortified’.
3. Encourage kids to enjoy outdoor play for a natural vitamin D increase and don’t forget to apply sunblock in the summertime. Activities like jumping and running enhance bone density, aiding in the development of sturdier and more resilient bones.
4. Ensure your little ones get their daily vitamin D supplement as endorsed by health experts. If uncertain about the proper dosage or which products to purchase, consult your local pharmacist.