Sunshine Fund has opened ticket sales for the Ponteland Duck Race after a series of successful fundraisers generated over £1,700 for local disabled children. The event, previously organised by the Rotary Club, will take place in September and features five races with cash prizes.
Siblings Complete Muddy Obstacle Course for Charity
A brother-and-sister duo, Ernie and Evelyn, completed the Clarty Bairns obstacle course last weekend, raising more than £500 for the Sunshine Fund. Seven-year-old Ernie has autism, a hypoxic brain injury acquired at birth, and is being assessed for ADHD. He required a safe space to release energy, and the charity funded a playframe for his garden after a school climbing frame trial showed positive behavioural changes. The playframe allows Ernie to climb, jump, and play safely with his five-year-old sister Evelyn.
Their mother, Lauren, said: "Clarty Bairns describes my children perfectly! They're always outdoors, getting muddy and exploring, so when we saw the event it felt like a great fit for our family. We originally signed up just for fun, but it was actually Ernie and Evelyn's idea to raise money for charity alongside taking part. Even at just seven and five years old, they're both incredibly thoughtful and caring. Choosing the Sunshine Fund was an easy decision. We had such an amazing experience with the charity and the support we've received has been incredible. When we learned they could help fund Ernie's playframe, it was a complete no-brainer for us to give something back and help other families who may need support in the future."
Hadrian School Raises £1,203.50 for Therapy Centre
Hadrian School hosted a summer thank you assembly last Friday to reveal their fundraising total from the Sunshine Mile, part of the annual Sunshine Run 5k. Pupils raised £1,203.50, which will support the charity's mission to fund specialist equipment for children with disabilities. The funds contribute to the school's Dream Big Project, which aims to establish the Rob Armstrong Rebound Therapy Centre.
Young Fundraiser Supports Charity That Helped Her
Amy, 19, who has an optic nerve condition, raised £170 by taking part in the Sunshine Run with her guide runner. As a teenager, the Sunshine Fund provided her with eye gaze technology—a CCTV system and an Orcam device—to aid her schoolwork and build social confidence. She visited Sunshine HQ to deliver the donations.
Duck Race Details and Ticket Information
Sunshine Fund has officially opened ticket sales for the Ponteland Duck Race, a community event taken over from the Rotary Club. Five races will be held throughout the afternoon, each offering cash prizes: £50 for first place, £25 for second, and £10 for third. Ducks cost £2 each, or £10 for entry into all five races. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thesunshinefund.org/duckrace or in person on the day. Local pop-up sales will also occur in August. Additional attractions include a business boat race, a kids duckorating competition and race, a market with local suppliers, and food and drink stalls.
