A spooky stay in what is known as one of the UK's most haunted castles has helped to raise funds to improve the lives of local children living with disabilities.
Fundraisers headed to Chillingham Castle on October 23 to brave a night in the castle grounds, all in aid of The Chronicle Sunshine Fund. The Northumberland castle has long been a popular spot for ghost hunters and paranormal investigation teams.
The castle is steeped in dark history with frequent reports of ghostly sightings of Lady Grey and the Blue Boy. While you can book to stay in the castle apartments, access to the castle itself overnight is reserved for special guests and events, with permission needing to be granted by castle owner, Sir Humphry Wakefield.
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The Chronicle Sunshine Fund first hosted their Chillingham Castle Scarefest Challenge last year with long-term supporters Stagecoach and invited 12 drivers to stay overnight in the castle, with exclusive access to some of the most haunted rooms, including the chapel, Great Hall and Oubliette Dungeon.
The 2021 challenge raised thousands for the charity enabling them to fund specialist, life-changing equipment for North East children living with disabilities and so they launched a 2022 challenge, opening the opportunity to take part to the general public.
This year fundraisers were joined by Spiritus Paranormal, a paranormal investigation team who travel across the North East and Yorkshire, visiting sites notorious for ghostly activity. Spiritus Director, Wayne Williams, who has been waiting a long time to investigate Chillingham, said: "It was our upmost pleasure to support The Chronicle Sunshine Fund with this event.
"The night was held with great anticipation from the guests who attended and along with further support from Stephen, it delivered a fantastic experience for all involved. I'm sure given the night we had and the activity we experienced, the guests who were maybe sceptical about the paranormal, have since changed their minds!"
Gateshead based spiritualist medium, Stephen Crawford also supported throughout the evening, offering an eventful and unique experience for all.
Sunshine Fund's Charity Director, Siobhan Sargeant, joined participants for a thrilling night. She said: "I didn't take part in the challenge last on account of me being a huge scaredy cat but when Lauren returned and told me about her experience, I knew I just had to go along this year, and I am so glad I did!
"We had such an amazing group of people taking part, including our friends from Stagecoach plus new and old supporters of the charity. It was a mixed bag of emotions with some being die hard Most Haunted and Alan Robson Night Owls fans, if you know, you know, with others being a little more on the fence or sceptical.
"We had everything from violent light flicking and loud noises, to spirit presence on the investigation kit, and clear, haunting communication through a human pendulum experiment and Ouija board. I've got to say, please don't try this at home kids, we had the experts on hand, which we're incredibly grateful for.
"Thank you so much to everyone who took part, donated their time, fundraised and of course the team at Chillingham Castle for welcoming us. We'll be back!"
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