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Hi Sunshine News Readers,
Today, I’m taking a team of Sunshine Trekkers to Hadrian’s Wall where we’ll take on our long-awaited 13-mile trek past some of the region’s most iconic landscapes. We’ll be taking in some breath-taking views and I’m sure we’ll get some fab content, but most of all, we’ll know that every step takes us closer to our end goal.
Each and every trekker has gone above and beyond and we’re delighted to say that everybody has absolutely smashed their targets, which means we’ve raised well over £3,000 which will go directly towards funding life-changing equipment to babies, children and young people living with additional needs, disabilities and terminal illness in our region.
Come back next week to find out how the trek went and wish us luck. As I’m writing this on Wednesday, it’s been raining non-stop, so I’m keeping everything crossed that the weather is a little drier as you’re reading this!
Regular readers may remember the other week when I spoke about our most recent equipment round, which proved that demand for this equipment in the North East region was growing. This week, our family co-ordinator, Bev, held the equipment panel meeting where we go through each application to see what we can fund.
Out of the 35 applications we received, 30 were agreed, 2 were agreed in principle, and 3 were deferred for further review. If everything in the round is funded, we will need to raise £45,093.49 to cover everything. For a small charity that receives zero statutory funding, this is a challenge. However, we are resilient and we are committed to our mission of providing equal opportunities so that all children can reach their full potential, and we are working hard to ensure that this equipment is funded as quickly as we can.
So, how are we doing this? For a start, the donations raised by events such as today’s trek, our Sunshine Run 5K and Great North Run will make a sizeable dent in the round, plus we’re privileged to say that we have had some incredible donor support recently, with lots of individuals and businesses working hard to raise funds for us.
We also have some very exciting plans in the pipeline for some small-scale events that individuals will be able to take part in – we have something for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or fancy something a little more relaxing… Watch this space!
In other exciting news, we have welcomed a new face to Team Sunshine this week and we can’t wait to introduce them to our column readers next week. We have also been planning some family events which is very exciting; we’ll be hosting a sensory session next week and we have plans of bringing a much-loved family day out back for a second year for Summer 2024… keep your eyes peeled.
So, how can readers support us? There’s still just under two weeks left to register for our Sunshine Run 5K which takes place on Wednesday, June 19 on Newcastle Quayside, from 6pm. Why not take on a challenge this payday and sign up at https://entry.eventsupnorth.co.uk/races/gfctk. Standard entry costs £22 and includes a t-shirt, medal and chip timing for accurate results. Whether you’re an elite club runner, a fun runner, or you fancy a challenge, join our annual event for some fun in the sun with a whole line-up of fabulous entertainment!
If you’re feeling lucky this payday weekend, you can help us generate regular, sustainable funding from as little as £1 per week, and also have the opportunity to win something back by entering our weekly lottery! Each week, players have the chance to win the national prize of £25,000, as well as the local prize pot which is won regularly, plus a monthly bonus prize. They can keep the winnings or donate them back to the charity, and we receive 50p from all ticket sales.
This week is your last chance to win the May bonus prize which is a Summer getaway, or alternatively £1000 in cash. Sign up now at https://bit.ly/3WYQkbm.
Please see below for other ways of supporting us through donations. You can donate online, via text-to-give, by bank transfer, or by cheque. All donation methods can be found at www.thesunshinefund.org/donate.
Thanks for reading,
Sophie X
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