Toon Washed Out, But Kids Have Fun

THERE was plenty of sunshine despite the weekend’s heavy rain as youngsters enjoyed a day to remember.

Disabled children had a great day watching the football at St James’ Park, courtesy of IT specialists ITPS.

The firm provides the Evening Chronicle’s charity, the Sunshine Fund, with £10,000-a-year to help provide ill children with the specialist equipment they need. On Saturday they gave two lucky youngsters a day out in their corporate box at St James’ to watch the Magpies take on Fiorentina in a friendly match.

The game ended up being called off after an hour’s play due to the torrential rain, but it didn’t dampen the families’ spirits as they chatted and enjoyed refreshments.

The two children were Jessica Jade Pearson, 10, from North Shields and Harry Bucknall, 12, from Whitley Bay, who has cerebral palsy. They were both accompanied by their families, who were also able to chat about what they had both been going through.

Jessica, who has received a cheque for a trike to help with her mobility problems, said: “We had a fantastic day and loved being in the box. The best bit was Newcastle didn’t concede any goals. It was a shame about the rain though.”

Harry, who received a power wheelchair through the Sunshine Fund, said: “The highlight of the game was the thunder and lightning but the best bit of the day was being invited to be in the box.”

Garry Sheriff, MD of ITPS, said: “ITPS do a lot of activities that benefit the children in general. What’s unique about the box is that it allows the children to enjoy time with their families.”

Also going along were Angela Carrington from The Bigger Picture, which does photography for the Sunshine Fund, and Jerri Murtagh, from Echo 23, who looks after the Fund’s Tweeting.

Caroll Pattison, fund director, said: “The families get a lot out of it. Not only do they get a relief from the daily grind, but also meeting with other families so they can talk to people who understand.

“ITPS loved it because they like to see where their money goes and how it helps. They give us £10,000 a year which is fabulous. They love supporting us, but for them to meet the children who benefit from the support makes a big difference to them.

“The families also shared experiences.”