Aug 83 min read

Our Beach Day is here! And you can still support our summer equipment round by taking part in a thrilling challenge…

Hi Sunshine News Readers,

This week has been a busy one as our summer equipment round has closed. This means that in the next few weeks, we’ll be going through applications from families in the region who are in need of specialist and adapted equipment that can change the lives of local children.

Once they’ve gone to panel, we’ll have a better idea of the cost of the round, and how much we need to raise to ensure these kids are united with their pieces of equipment as soon as possible. Our last round was significantly higher than usual, and applications have been coming in thick and fast, which shows the growing demand across the region.

When we’re not sifting through applications, we’re busy planning our community events which are takin place over the summer holidays. We know how much our parents and carers struggle to find affordable and accessible activities over the school break, and we appreciate that this is even more difficult if your child has additional needs.

Whether the venue or activity isn’t accessible, the environment isn’t inclusive, cost is a barrier, or it’s not worth the risk if they don’t enjoy it or find it too overwhelming. This is why we’ve put effort into organising fun days for our Sunshine Families where access isn’t a barrier, in a welcoming environment where families can meet like-minded individuals, and kids can create special memories with their friends and siblings, and even try out some new things, for free!

This week, we headed to South Shields for an accessible beach day. This is our second year teaming up with the wonderful, highly professional team at South Shields Surf to facilitate a variety of activities for our kids. This includes one-on-one adapted surf sessions using specialist equipment, group surf sessions and coastal explorer sessions.

This gives our children the opportunity to test the waters (literally!) and try out new things at their own pace, in comfort, with highly trained professionals who know what they’re doing. After the success of last year’s beach day, we’re delighted to have brought it back for another year. It resonates with the origin of our charity which began following a royal visit.

King George V visited Newcastle to attend the official opening the Tyne Bridge in 1928. Whilst visiting, he noticed the deprivation which still remains in the region to this day.

He donated £15 to facilitate a trip to the seaside for disadvantaged children. The editor of The Newcastle Chronicle newspaper at the time then decided to continue this philanthropic mission and thus The Sunshine Fund was born.

We can’t wait to share photos and videos from the day in next week’s column, but in the meantime, you can watch last year’s video to get an idea of what to expect: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6KOyb3Kzpg.

Then, in just over a week’s time, we’ll be teaming up with Newcastle United Foundation for an inclusive fun day! We’ll be giving our kids the opportunity to tour St James’ Stadium, as well as an afternoon of football and multi-skills activities. We can’t wait!

We still have a handful of spaces left on our thrill-seeking events and challenges to raise vital funds over the summer. Over the next few months, we’re encouraging supporters to try something new, take on a personal challenge, or face their fears in one of our activities, to raise money so we can continue to support children living with disabilities, additional needs and terminal illness in our region. Do it alone, with friends or family, or make it a team-building exercise to remember!

Take on the ultimate adrenaline challenge on Saturday, September 14 and jump in tandem from 10,000ft, enduring a 30-second freefall before landing safely. Our skydive is available at a discounted rate of just £75, and each skydiver pledges to raise at least £300.

Visit www.thesunshinefund.org/skydive for more info and to book. We are also offering group discounts and corporate offers - email hello@thesunshinefund.org to discuss.

For those who would prefer something a little closer to the ground, we have an evening of e-karting after work or school on Thursday, September 19, where racers can compete to be top of the leaderboard. Tickets cost just £35 and we don’t require any additional fundraising. Visit www.thesunshinefund.org/ekarting for more info and to book.

For more information and to book on to any of our events, please visit www.thesunshinefund.org/get-involved. If you have any questions, or for corporate team bookings, please contact us at hello@thesunshinefund.org.