The Chronicle Sunshine Fund has announced that Softcat plc will sponsor its annual Question of Sport event. The black-tie sports quiz and dinner, hosted by Sky Sports' Pete Graves, takes place at The Grand Hotel in Gosforth Park. The event attracts local businesses from various industries and raises funds for specialist equipment for children and young people with disabilities in the North East.
Softcat's Commitment to the Community
Softcat plc is a leading UK-based IT infrastructure and services provider, helping organisations design, procure, implement, and manage technology solutions including cloud, cybersecurity, networking, software, and AI services. Sebastien Leonhardsen, client director and deputy sales manager at Softcat, expressed pride in sponsoring the event, highlighting the importance of giving back to the local community and supporting the Sunshine Fund's mission to deliver essential equipment and support to disabled children and their families.
Leonhardsen added: "We are looking forward to spending another great evening with some of the wonderful organisations across the North East and helping to drive as much fundraising as we can all whilst having an incredible evening hearing the stories from the families the Chronicle Sunshine Fund support each and every day – we just hope this year is the year we don’t finish in the bottom 3 for the quiz!"
Event Details and Sponsors
Tables are selling fast, with only a few spaces left. Other sponsors include Irwin Mitchell, which is sponsoring the 'Sunshine Families Table', allowing the charity to invite parents of supported children to enjoy a night out free of charge. Progressive Legal Solutions is sponsoring the drinks reception, offering guests a complimentary drink on arrival, along with games like darts and golf, and a raffle drawn at the end of the night.
For more information, visit www.thesunshinefund.org/qos. To discuss tables, volunteering, or prize donations, contact hello@thesunshinefund.org.
Fundraising Challenges and Community Support
In other news, personal trainer Julian Stark took on a StairClimber challenge at PureGym Gateshead, climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest over 12 hours—45,000 steps—to raise funds for the Sunshine Fund and Love Amelia Baby Bank. Stark described it as "definitely one of the harder things I've done in my life," adding that he wanted to test his body and support charities that do great things for kids in need.
Additionally, Quaysar Rafique recently opened 'Coco and Co Coffee' in Fenham. The opening day offered free coffees and £1 matcha, with donations encouraged. The café has partnered with ODFC fitness to start a running club, welcoming all ages and abilities for a jog from the café across the Town Moor and back, with coffee and cake afterwards. Rafique said: "We are really proud to support The Chronicle Sunshine Fund. Moreover, supporting such a great cause is a privilege. I encourage anyone interested in running to attend Saturday's run and to donate to the charity so it can continue its great work for children with disabilities."
To get involved, contact hello@thesunshinefund.org.
