Over 140 runners will represent the Sunshine Fund at this year's Great North Run and Junior/Mini event, as the charity prepares for a busy September of fundraising activities. The small, local charity has also been named the official charity partner for Lindisfarne Festival and is organizing the Ponteland Duck Race, all to raise funds for specialist equipment for children with disabilities in the North East that cannot be obtained through the NHS.
Great North Run Preparations and Sponsorship
Race packs have been sent out to the cohort of over 140 runners taking part in the Great North Run and its Junior/Mini event. The Sunshine Fund visited its main Great North Run sponsors, True Potential LLP, to hand over the team's kit before they set off for a post-work 5k as part of their training for the big day. The charity is proud to have grown its presence at the event this year, noting that as one of the longest standing North East charities, involvement in such an iconic regional event is important. This growth is attributed to True Potential and the Junior/Mini sponsors, Harrison Foundation, a local family run charitable foundation.
As a small, local charity, the Sunshine Fund states that every penny raised will stay in the North East, supporting local families with specialist equipment for children living with disabilities that they cannot get on the NHS. The charity is already looking ahead to its 2027 campaign and aims to continue growing its presence as it approaches its 100th anniversary the following year.
Lindisfarne Festival Charity Partnership
The Sunshine Fund is preparing for Lindisfarne Festival, which takes place in two weeks. The charity is the official charity partner at this year's event and will be raising vital funds with a range of sunshine-themed items for sale, with all proceeds coming directly to the charity. A prize draw for a weekend camping ticket for two has been held, with the festival being awarded the title of 'The UK's Best Small Festival'. The winner, Helen, will be joining the charity for the event at Beal Farm, overlooking Holy Island, which features an eclectic line-up of acts and unique experiences.
Ponteland Duck Race Details
The Sunshine Fund has been preparing for the Ponteland Duck Race, which takes place in a couple of weeks. The charity was at Tesco Kingston Park selling duck race tickets and kids ducks to take home, decorate, then bring back and race on the day. Next week, across the bank holiday weekend, the charity will be in Eldon Square with a hook-a-duck game, also selling tickets and kids ducks. The hook-a-duck will also be at the Duck Race itself.
Ducks can be purchased online at www.pontelandduckrace.co.uk, with sales closing on Monday, August 31. After that date, tickets can only be purchased on the day. Entry to the event is free, and race tickets cost £2 per duck or £10 for a duck in each race. The Ponteland Duck Race will take place on Sunday, September 6 in Ponteland Park, West Road from 11.30am to 14pm. The event will feature raffles and games with opportunities to win prizes, plus kids fairground rides and other attractions, a market with local traders, food and drink stalls, and ducks racing along the river.
