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Run in the sun

27 April 2009

Joggers Raise Cash To Help Disabled Youngsters

Cows and ballerinas trotted and graced their way around a park for the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund. People of all ages turned out for the event at Newcastle’s Exhibition Park to benefit disabled children all over the North East. Hundreds of pounds was raised by the fancy-dress runners.

The event was organised by Northumbria University sports management student Darryl Harland, 22, who had to put on an event of this type as part of his course. He decided to use the opportunity as a way of raising cash for the Sunshine Fund, which pays for equipment for disabled children in the region to improve their quality of life. “I had heard about the Sunshine Fund because it is often mentioned in the Chronicle and thought it would be a very good cause,” he said. “One of the modules I am doing this year involves organising a sports event and we thought it would be a worthwhile charity. “People have been doing two laps of the park and we’ve asked everyone to pay an entry fee, which has gone to the charity.”

Darryl, of Heaton, said he was delighted with how the event had gone. “It’s been a success and we’ve been pretty fortunate with the weather,” he said. “A lot of people have taken part and a lot of them have been in fancy dress, which has been great.” As well as the run, Darryl and a team of students organised a football penalty competition to raise some extra cash.

Housing company worker Carl McClean, 25, of Heaton, was one of the Tynesiders to take part. He said: “With it all being for the Sunshine Fund, it’s a great cause and the whole idea has been to raise the profile of the charity. “A lot of people have come in fancy dress which has added that fun element. “There are lots of families about and the weather is good. “Everybody seems to have enjoyed it and there’s been a good turn out.”




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