A successful day of fundraising plus even more Sunshine shout outs!

Hi Sunshine News Readers,

Last week, we sent our heartfelt thanks to several individuals and organisations who had supported our small charity, and we mentioned a couple of events that were taking place last weekend. We’re here this week to talk about how those events went, with some extra shout outs as well!

Firstly, we want to wish Michelle Embleton a huge congratulations and an even bigger THANK YOU for her incredible achievements last weekend as she raced in the Manchester Marathon finishing with a race time of 4 hours and 18 minutes. She also absolutely smashed her target and raised a total of £500!

We asked her how the race went and she told us that the marathon was going well until half way where she hit blisters, which has never happened before, which meant that the last 8 miles were tough. Despite her sore toes she powered through and she should be so proud of her achievements – we certainly are!

Feeling inspired? We have made a list of mass participation events, just like the Manchester Marathon, that you can take part in on behalf of our charity! There’s something for everyone so head to www.thesunshinefund.org/other-events to find out more, and let us know you’re taking part so we can give you a shout out!

We also want to thank our trustee, Graeme Whitfield, who took on his own personal challenge in March, by vouching to run 100 miles throughout the month. We’re thrilled to say that he not only completed the challenge, but he also raised a fantastic £1,020!

We’re so grateful for any individual who decides to fundraise for us, and we’re so proud of those who take on their own challenge, step outside their comfort zone and set themselves a goal. We know how much pride this can bring, and I’m sure I speak on behalf of anybody who taken on a challenge to raise vital funds for us when I say that the struggles are made so worthwhile when you know that the money is going to such a valuable cause.

As a small charity that receives zero statutory funding, we rely solely on the generosity of donors, so we are so appreciative of anybody who supports us, no matter in what capacity. All donations go directly to improving the lives of local children with disabilities, additional needs and terminal illness.

Whether that’s through funding pieces of specialist and adapted equipment to break barriers, open doors to endless opportunities or provide enrichment, or whether it’s by funding inclusive and accessible family events to create special memories. At The Sunshine Fund, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, and we believe in creating opportunities to allow this to happen.

Last week, we mentioned that Carroll and Vicky Pattison were hosting a lunchtime fundraising event for us, and I’m pleased to say it was a success! Myself and Amanda attended alongside some of our trustees, and an enjoyable time was had by all.

The ‘lunch and fizz’ took place at The Hilton in Gateshead, which provided a lovely (albeit drizzly) view of the city, and the room was dressed beautifully by Marie Rose Events, who also supported Carroll with a silent auction. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception followed by lunch accompanied by live music from Storm AV and band.

In addition to the silent auction, where attendees could win a whole host of prizes including sports and film memorabilia, there were also two raffles. One was for a stunning diamond ring and the other was for a range of items such as Vicky’s jacket from her Arctic Challenge, her signed book, an overnight stay and lots of boozy bundles. We were delighted with the turn out and the generosity of all guests, and we’re pleased to say we made just under £1,000 on the raffles alone, so we look forward to hearing the final figure!

If you’d like to get involved and support The Sunshine Fund, please visit  www.thesunshinefund.org/get-involved or contact Sophie.Revell@thesunshinefund.org to discuss how you could support us.

It can be as simple as making a one-off donation using the details below, or taking part in our weekly £1 lottery – find out more at https://bit.ly/3WYQkbm. Together we can provide a better life for babies, children and young adults in our region living with complex needs and life-limiting illnesses.

Thanks for reading,

Sophie X