As the year draws to a close, a leading North East charity is celebrating a whirlwind twelve months of fundraising and community events dedicated to supporting local children with disabilities. The Sunshine Fund has released a round-up of its 2025 activities, highlighting everything from adrenaline-fuelled challenges to accessible family days out.
A Year of Thrilling Challenges and Community Spirit
The charity's year kicked off with planning before hosting its first charity race night in March at the Newcastle Labour Club. The event featured horse-themed fun, including a 'Hurl-A-Horse' game and betting on race clips, setting a lively tone for the months ahead.
Spring brought high-flying action with the Sunshine Skydive in Peterlee during April. The event saw staff, including Head of Charity David, take the plunge to raise funds for specialist equipment for families. This was swiftly followed in May by the demanding 13-mile Northumberland Coastal trek from Craster to Bamburgh, an eight-hour journey that combined fundraising with appreciating local heritage.
The summer sun shone on the charity's 22nd annual Sunshine Run in June, which attracted nearly 400 participants to a 5K route along Newcastle's Quayside. The season also included two key family events: a thrilling speedboat day in Amble with Wetwheels Yorkshire and the annual accessible Beach Day in South Shields, complete with adapted surf sessions.
Autumn Celebrations and Accessible Festivities
September saw over 45 runners join Team Sunshine for the Great North Run, with the charity already recruiting for the 2026 event. The charity also inaugurated its first Tyne Bridge Day, a new annual event leading up to the shared centenary of the bridge and the charity in 2028.
Halloween was marked with a sensory session and a trip to the haunted Chillingham Castle. November's calendar featured the popular black-tie Question of Sport quiz and dinner at The Grand Hotel in Gosforth Park, where NatWest were crowned champions.
The year culminated in a festive flurry, with the charity operating its free and fully accessible Santa Grotto Bus in Newcastle city centre and SEND schools. They also ran their 12 Days of Sunshine Christmas Appeal and took part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Reflecting on the year, the Sunshine Fund emphasised that these events were made possible through partnerships with organisations like the Centre for Life and Wetwheels, all sharing a mission to provide equal opportunities for children with additional needs.
The charity has confirmed it will launch its full 2026 fundraising calendar imminently, with all events available to book immediately. They are encouraging the community to secure a charity place for the 2026 Great North Run for just £50, with a pledge to raise a minimum of £300. This ongoing support is vital for continuing their work with disabled children and their families across the region.
