2021 was undoubtedly a tough year for everyone, but for the Chronicle Sunshine Fund team, it was their busiest year to date.
Along with lockdowns and the pandemic forcing the charity to postpone essential fundraising events, the Sunshine Fund had to raise money for the largest target in their almost 100 year history - a whopping £70,000 worth of equipment rounds.
The charity changes the lives of babies, children or young adults living with a disability or terminal illness in the North East by providing them with specialised equipment not available on the NHS to meet their individual needs.
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The team have been working relentlessly to help families across the region, but they need your support this year to reach their goal, and welcome new equipment rounds.
Luckily, their 2022 event calendar is packed full with opportunities for people to get involved and raise money for the amazing cause.
For the fitness fanatics out there, the ever-popular Sunshine Run will be returning on June 15. Sponsored by Stagecoach, the run includes a 3k route in addition to the 5k, so that for the first time children as young as 13 can take part.
There are also still a limited number of places left to tackle this year's Great North Run as part of the Sunshine Team, with employees from financial services True Potential already planning to tackle the iconic half marathon this September 11.
If you are more of a trekker than a runner, you can support the charity by joining up for their Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge on May 15, which is being supported by the awesome team at The Gym Group. They have designed a fitness programme with tips and guidance to get you trek ready, and they’re even giving our trekkers free gym access to prepare for this adventure. Places are limited and selling quickly.
With 2022 set to be a big year for sport, the Sunshine Fund are also hosting their own Question of Sport event on November 24 at the Grand Hotel in Gosforth Park. You’ll need to assemble a team of the finest sporting minds to be in with a chance of taking home the coveted trophy.
Finally, the charity will be teaming up with St James Square Law Firm for the famous Noche Del Sol once again this year, and promise it's a night to remember.
Charity Director Siobhan Sargeant said that the charity 'couldn't be happier that the much loved events are back;.
"We have worked closely with our sponsors, event organisers, venues and insurers to make sure that all measures have been takes to keep our event participants, guests and families safe at all times and it feels great to have a nice full events calendar again," said Siobhan.
"As a small charity, we don’t receive any funding from the NHS or statutory sources so when a family comes to us for support, we have to fundraise to ensure we can purchase the equipment their child needs or provide our services to their wider support network.
"Our events are our main tool for generating income and they simply don’t happen without our community, Chronicle readers and our fantastic event partners."
Siobhan said that currently the demand for the charity's services was the "highest its ever been".
"With our next equipment round taking place this month, and applications from desperate families, carers, schools and other organisations coming in fast, we rely on our events to enable us to continue our charitable work," she added.
For more information on the events, or to apply, visit the Chronicle Sunshine Fund's website here.
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