The Sunshine Fund has concluded its latest quarterly funding round, with a panel of professionals approving 25 applications for specialist and adapted equipment for children with disabilities or complex needs in the North East. The total funding awarded amounts to nearly £36,000, providing crucial support for families who cannot access such items through the NHS.
Diverse Range of Equipment Funded
The approved applications cover a wide variety of equipment designed to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. This includes four trikes tailored to different needs, which offer both physical benefits and positive impacts on mental wellbeing. Additionally, the fund will cover accessories for buggies and wheelchairs that are not provided as standard by local authorities, ensuring safety, comfort, and warmth for the children.
Innovative New Items
Among the funded items are some newer technologies not previously seen by the charity. These include a Bluetooth accessory that connects to hearing aids, allowing young people to hear conversations more clearly in community settings, and smart lenses to assist a teenager with hearing impairment in lip reading. These innovations highlight the fund's commitment to addressing evolving needs.
Upcoming Fundraising Events
The Sunshine Fund is calling for community involvement to support its mission, with several fundraising events scheduled. Participants can sign up for events with varying levels of fundraising requirements, helping to unite families with essential equipment as quickly as possible.
Kielder Forest Trek
This weekend marks the final opportunity to register for a 26-mile trek around Kielder Forest, to be completed within 12 hours. The event celebrates 100 years of the region's famous woodland and will be led by the charity's Head of Charity, David Wilson, who brings extensive knowledge and experience in guiding local walks. He will discuss the forest's history and commemorate local heritage, reflecting the charity's long-standing presence in the North East. Entry costs £39, with each trekker asked to raise £100. Registration closes at 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 8.
Sunshine Run 5k
Following the trek, the much-loved annual 5k charity run along Newcastle Quayside will take place. The Sunshine Run attracts individuals and local businesses, featuring a flat and fast route suitable for runners of all abilities. Whether a seasoned runner or a beginner, participants can aim for personal bests with chip-timing, run with friends or colleagues, or challenge themselves with a new activity. Registration starts from £25, which includes a small donation to support babies, children, and young people with disabilities and life-limiting conditions.
Great North Run Spaces
The charity also has a limited number of spaces available for the Great North Run, with over 140 runners representing Team Sunshine this year. Runners will receive a race pack with training and event-day essentials, including a Team Sunshine t-shirt or vest, and access to a marquee in the charity village for post-race celebrations. Entry costs £50, with each runner required to raise at least £300. Spaces are expected to sell quickly, so early registration is encouraged.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in supporting the Sunshine Fund, more opportunities can be found on the charity's website. Alternatively, individuals can organise their own fundraisers or contact the charity for a general discussion about its mission to create a brighter future for North East families. To stay updated with news and events, follow the Sunshine Fund on Facebook and Instagram.
