The Sunshine Fund has announced its autumn fundraising programme, headlined by a return to the UK's most haunted castle and the much-anticipated annual Duck Race in Ponteland Park. All proceeds from these events go towards delivering specialist equipment to improve the lives of children living with disabilities, additional needs and terminal illness in the North East.
Halloween Ghost Tour at Chillingham Castle
Despite the summer heat, the charity is already preparing for Halloween with an exclusive private ghost tour at Chillingham Castle in Northumberland. The event will be led by the castle's resident historian and ghost-hunter, Richard, who brings his extensive knowledge and expertise to make contact with the spirits said to haunt the castle and its grounds.
Tickets for this intimate experience cost £65 each and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/chilli-castle. With limited capacity, the tour grants access to areas of the castle that are not usually open to the general public. According to the Sunshine Fund, the event is not for the fainthearted, promising a truly spine-tingling evening.
Annual Duck Race in Ponteland Park
For those who prefer lighter thrills, the annual Duck Race is set to return to Ponteland Park on Sunday, 6 September. The family-friendly afternoon will feature raffles, games, and plenty of opportunities to win prizes, alongside fairground rides for children, a market with local traders, and food and drink stalls. Attendees can watch dozens of ducks race along the river, with winners in each of five races receiving cash prizes.
Duck race entries cost £2 per duck, or £10 for a duck in every race. Entries can be purchased on the day or online in advance at www.thesunshinefund.org/duckrace, an option recommended for those who want to save time or who are unable to attend in person. Winners will be contacted after the event, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes awarded in each of the five races.
Business Boat Races
Kicking off the event will be two Business Boat Races, inviting local organisations to compete against each other. The two winning businesses will each receive a luxury hamper, adding a competitive edge to the proceedings. The boat races are part of a fantastic afternoon that combines community spirit with fundraising for a worthy cause.
How to Support the Sunshine Fund
In addition to attending these events, businesses and individuals can support the charity in other ways. For questions, to book a corporate team, or to discuss alternative fundraising opportunities, the Sunshine Fund encourages people to email hello@thesunshinefund.org. The charity's team is eager to chat with anyone interested in helping the cause.
With limited spaces on the ghost tour and high demand expected for duck race entries, the Sunshine Fund advises early booking to avoid disappointment. All proceeds from both events will directly fund specialist equipment for children with disabilities, additional needs, and terminal illness across the North East.
