It has been a busy autumn for The Chronicle Sunshine Fund, and these stunning pictures show just some of the important fundraising that has been taking place.
The charity held its annual Ball on September 30, followed the next weekend by the rescheduled Junior and Mini Great North Run events. These races are a popular way for families and organisations to support a local charity which is transforming the lives of children in the region.
The Sunshine Fund enhances the lives of North East babies, children and young adults who are disadvantaged through disability by funding vital, life-changing equipment to meet their specialist needs.
It is the North East's largest provider of such equipment, and supports children with a wide range of conditions and complex needs including physical and learning difficulties, life-limiting conditions and terminal diagnosis.
The cost of living crisis and ongoing pressure on the NHS means that demand for equipment from children with disabilities and their families is higher than ever. It costs on average three times more to raise a disabled child than a child without disabilities. The North East also has some of the highest numbers of children registered as disabled in the UK, and is sadly also facing steeply rising rates of child poverty.
This year’s Ball was run in partnership with St James’ Square Law Firm and held at the Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park. It was themed I Have A Dream in homage to much-loved musical Mamma Mia!, which brought a summery, sunshine glow to a September evening. The special night featured a video message from charity patrons Ant & Dec, and fantastic Abba-themed entertainment from the band Glimmer.
Reflecting on the evening, Charity Director Siobhan Sargeant said: “It’s a testament to our loyal supporter base that we have been able to host such a successful event in such challenging times.
“Our I Have a Dream Mamma Mia! Ball raised in excess of £35,000, which is a phenomenal amount given the current financial crisis.
“As a small, local charity which receives no statutory funding, we rely on the generosity of North East businesses, individual donors and community groups to help us raise over £300,000 each year to provide specialist and adapted equipment for children living with disabilities, family events and family support. Events such as the annual Ball generate a significant proportion of this income.
“The Sunshine Fund team wants to say a big thank you to everyone who attended, supported or donated at this year’s event. It wouldn’t be possible for our small team to host events of this size without our army of volunteers who give up their time to ensure our guests have a fabulous night. No doubt we will all be humming Abba songs all autumn!”
The Mini and Junior Great North Runs took place on Saturday, October 8 on Newcastle and Gateshead’s iconic Quayside, after being rescheduled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
October sun shone on the runners and the Quayside was full of supporters cheering on the children and young adults, many of whom were running to raise money for charities which have supported their families. This was certainly true for Team Sunshine, and in total Great North Run events have raised over £30,000 for the charity this year. A special well done goes to the team at True Potential, whose 12 runners raised an impressive £20,000 in total.
Speaking after Saturday’s races, Siobhan reflected: “The Mini, Junior and Accessible Great North Run events give us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all the children who take part, either as supporters or beneficiaries of The Chronicle Sunshine Fund or as supporters of other charities.
“It really is a special day where everyone comes together in an incredible atmosphere. It’s amazing for us to catch up with our families in our VIP zone at the Urban Garden and we want to say a huge thank you to Dan and his team and all at NE1 for ensuring we have this designated, accessible space each year.
“It’s a proud and emotional moment for us to see children we have supported with wheelchairs and walking frames cross the finish line using the equipment we purchased.
“We want to say a huge thank you to our friends at True Potential for sponsorship of this year's Mini and Junior Great North Run campaign, and for joining us for all the action on the day. We also want to thank the fantastic team at True Colours Theatre Group whose characters joined us to spread some magic. Our runners and wheelers loved meeting the princesses and receiving their Greggs gingerbread man from Batman!”
“We are so grateful to all our supporters for donating to the charity throughout the year so that precious moments like these can happen.”
To help support The Chronicle Sunshine Fund, visit www.thesunshinefund.org/donate
Read next:
- Sunshine Run organisers 'overwhelmed' as hundreds turn out for return of Newcastle Quayside race
- Kind runner saves the day for eight-year-old's Great North Run junior wheelchair race
- Families with disabled children being 'hit the hardest' by rising cost of living, says charity
- When is the Great North Run 2023? Date and registration details announced for next year's event
