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STAFF ON THEIR MARKS TO RAISE CASH FOR SUNSHINE FUND

25 March 2010

We’ll cruise it for charity FUNDRAISERS are already gearing up for this year’s Great North Run. And the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund is one charity that folk have chosen to support.

This year a team are entering from cruise firm DFDS.

They include Steve Larkins, Stephen House Tom Fotheringham, and Wes Clough.

Wes , 27, is taking part in the fundraiser for the first time.

He said: “If it goes well, I’ll try and keep it up every year.”

As a keen cyclist, Wes began training with 15-20 miles on the bike every weekend in preparation for the gruelling run.

While admitting he joined the event to be more active and not sat on the sofa all day, his reasons are also of a more personal nature.

Like many others involved, Wes wanted to take part in the race as a way of saying thank you to the charity for helping a friend who has a disabled child.

But the hard work for the run in September is also going to include some fun and games.

Although Wes and his colleagues had not being training together, he said: “It’s going to be quite competitive.”

Debbie Wilde, event assistant for the Evening Chronicle  Sunshine  Fund, said: “We are delighted that staff from DFDS are taking part in the BUPA Great North Run to raise money for the Sunshine Fund again this year.

“With the money raised we will be able to help children with disabilities throughout the region and their families.”

The Sunshine Fund was established in 1928, and was adopted by the Evening Chronicle in 1995.

Since then over £1,000,000 of essential equipment has been provided including learning aids and custom-built apparatus to improve the quality of children’s lives across the region.

Last year, grants were awarded for trikes, tandem bikes and lightweight wheelchairs to individuals, alongside a team of basketball wheelchairs to Percy Hedley, and a team of football wheelchairs to South Tyneside Football Trust.

If you would like get involved in the  Sunshine Fund’s Great North Run, contact Debbie Wilde on 0191 201 6090 for an application form, or e-mail debbie.wilde@ncjmedia.co.uk. Places are allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

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