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.”

Real Big BBQ Fun

Sunday July 31st saw scores of barbeques held across the region for the Real Big BBQ, with donations being given to The Sunshine Fund.

A big thanks to everyone who took part!

Here are some photos from the event:

A Victory For the Sunshine Fund!

The Evening Chronicle sportsdesk and William Hill wowed us this year and delivered more vital funds for the Sunshine Fund.

Throughout Newcastle United's campaign in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carling Cup this year, we teamed up with the UK's leading bookies with a charity bet each match.

The Evening Chronicle's chief football writer, Lee Ryder, managed to score a magnificent £1204.38 for the Sunshine Fund!

Thank you to all those involved, especially Lee and William Hill.

Newcastle Nightclub's Donation Helps School



John Gillen from Liquid and Envy with Hadrian School pupil Hanifa Khanom



Pupils and teachers at Hadrian School in Newcastle are now enjoying top of the range, specialised equipment, thanks to the Sunshine Fund.

Around £7,500 was donated by Newcastle nightclub Liquid and Envy which bought vital pieces such as a cover for the school's hydropool, four specialised double buggies, a nest swing and standing frames.

Liquid and Envy picked the Sunshine Fund as their chosen children's charity through a grant giveaway scheme organised by the Echo Trust (Entertainment Organised for Children's Health).

We would like to say a massive thank you to the Echo Trust and Liquid and Envy nightclub for helping us to help children like those at Hadrian School!

Ready? Set? Go! - The Sunshine Run is Approaching!

It's that time of year again... the annual Sunshine Run is approaching!

This year will be the 10th anniversary of the 5k run organised by the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund.

The annual race will celebrate a decade of raising thousands of pounds for disabled youngesters and their families across the North East.

With the help of sponsors ITPS and supporters the Gateshead Harriers, we are this year hoping to raise £30,000.

With 300 runners already signed up, there is still room for more. We have 100 places left for those wishing to take part in the race.

Double paralympic champion Stephen Miller will be on the starting line, offering support and encouragement to runners at the event which starts at 7pm on Wednesday 29th June, along Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside.

A host of entertainment has been organised for the evening, in order to spur runners on.

You can register for the race online, here. Alternatively, you can call into our offices and collect an entry form. Simply fill in the form and return it, along with a cheque of £15 (£13 for club runners) made payable to The Sunshine Fund.

Good luck!

Summertime Fashion Show - The Most Stylish Event Of The Season

Join As You Like It, Jesmond on Sunday the 22nd of May 2011 for the most stylish event of the season...

The debuting SUMMERTIME Fashion Show will exhibit the Jules B Summer 2011 Collections for Men and Women as well as an exclusive Toywatch display with one night only promotional offers throughout the range.

With Cupcakes and Canapés on arrival at 7pm and entertainment by LiveWire this promises to be a night not to be missed for anyone that has a fashion conscience in Newcastle.

Tickets are £10 which includes a cocktail & cupcake reception, free prize draw entry and contribution from each ticket to the fabulous Sunshine Fund Charity. A £20 VIP ticket includes all of the above plus access to the VIP area and complimentary savoury canapés.

To book tickets call As You Like It on 0191 2812277

Wine Tasting at As You Like It

A fantastic wine tasting evening is taking place on Monday 6^th June at As You Like It in Jesmond from 7.30pm. In addition to a wonderful array of wines will be fabulous Mediterranean canapés provided by As You Like It, plus brilliant live music by the very talented Jamie O’Neill.

Marta Mateus, managing director of Marta Vine Ltd said: “I am delighted to host such a special wine tasting evening with As You like It to raise vital funds for the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund”.

Marta Vine is an exciting new wine supplier in the North East of England that specialises in the little known world of Portuguese wines. After carefully selecting a good selection of wine, Marta now has a catalogue of 38 wines that appeal to a variety of tastes and focus on quality and value for money. Marta deals directly with Portuguese producers which means the customer receives the best wines, with minimum transportation at the lowest possible price. Come along and discover new wine from the old world and broaden your wine knowledge and enjoyment with Marta Vine Ltd.

Carlene Golightly, community manager at the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund said “What a fantastic evening this will be. Great wine, food and music." 

Carlene continued: “We are delighted to be working again with As You Like It who have been so supportive of the Sunshine Fund and we are delighted to have a new supporter in Marta Vine Ltd”.

The Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund raises money to help change the lives of disabled children in the North East. This year we are aiming to raise £300,000 to ensure we have sufficient funds to meet the needs of the children.  So come along have a great evening, and know that your support will be making a real difference to the lives of disabled children.”

Tickets for this fabulous evening are £15. Call As You like It on 0191 281 2277 to book your place or alternatively, pay at the door on the evening. 

Are You Up For The Apollo Schools Project?

The Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund is looking for 10 schools to take part in an exciting new community project. The Apollo Schools Project is aimed in particular at year 10/11 students who would like to show their creative side to raise funds on behalf of the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund.

Carlene Golightly, Community Manager of the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund said: “The aim of the project is for participating schools to devise and implement innovative ways to raise funds on behalf of the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund. The school would set their own fundraising targets and look at what events and activities they could hold throughout the coming year. It is likely that the pupils involved will be from Year 10 upwards with the support of their Teachers."

Carlene continued: “We are delighted to say we have three schools already on board who are busy developing new and existing activities to help reach their fundraising targets. Having met with the schools the enthusiasm from the students and teachers has been fantastic and the activities they are planning are fun and will engage with colleagues within the school and externally. This project will also help students develop key proficiencies in time management, communication and leadership skills. The Evening Chronicle are keen to capture some of these events to show how innovative the students are and what a great community spirit there is within our local schools.”

The Sunshine Fund will provide schools with the necessary forms, support and advice. This is a great project for schools to be involved in and will instill in students a sense of achievement and pride knowing that they have helped to change the lives of disabled children in their community. At the end of the year we will be inviting the nominated school members to a special awards evening and we will be awarding a first, second and third prize for the most innovative idea and the most money raised.

One of our Apollo Schools is Thomas More RC School in Whitley Bay. Pictured are some of the year 10 students who are taking part in the Project. Jill Forsten, ASDAN Tutor said: “Our year 10 students are really proud to be helping such a worthwhile charity. They are hoping to make a big difference to the lives of children with disabilities in the North East. This project will also help the students work towards the credits needed to successfully complete their Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Level 2 and Wider Key Skills. They are a fantastic bunch of young people who we are very proud of!"

If you would like your school to be part of this exciting project please contact Carlene Golightly on 07794 938609 or email carlene.golightly@ncjmedia.co.uk. 

Newcastle sk:n Clinic Hosts Yummy Mummy Event To Help Disabled Children In The North East

Newcastle sk:n clinic is hosting an event in collaboration with the  Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund. The event is being held to find the North East Yummy Mummy Of The Year 2011,  with £1500 worth of sk:n clinic treatments up for grabs for the Mummy deemed the yummiest. Mums across the region are urged to participate by describing, in no more than 50 words, why they deserve to win. Registration is £5 per Mum, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Sunshine Fund to help disabled children in the North East.   

Sarah Hetherington, clinic manager of sk:n in Newcastle and a Sunshine Ladies Business Group supporter said: "We are delighted to support the work of the Sunshine Fund and hope that many Mums come forward. 

"We have a fantastic prize up for grabs and are looking forward to pampering the most deserving Mum with treatments across our broad range of expertise. The winner will be spoilt with an array of treatments and the best thing is that we get to support a great cause in the process. All Mums who enter will be invited to our clinic on Grey Street and will receive a free goody bag, free skin assessment and a lovely glass of bubbly."

Carlene Golightly Sunshine Fund Community Manager said: "We’re thrilled that sk:n clinics has been able to support us by hosting such a fantastic event. 

"The Sunshine Ladies Business Group get together every month to share business ideas and also ways in which their organisation can support the Sunshine Fund.  This year, grant applications from individuals and organisations who look after disabled children have risen by 30%, therefore we need to raise as much money as possible to ensure we meet the needs of disabled children in the North East".

To find out how you can enter please call 0191 261 0011 or email newcastle@sknclinics.co.uk and we’ll send you a form. The winner will be notified by 30th April.

If you would like to find out how you can help support the Sunshine Fund and make a real difference to the lives of disabled children in the North East, please contact Carlene Golightly on 07794-938609 or email carlene.golightly@ncjmedia.co.uk.

Johanna Smith - How the Sunshine Fund Has Helped Our Family

Following on from our previous post about the amazing support we've received from ITPS, Johanna Smith shares her story about her son, Isaac, and what the Sunshine Fund has meant to her family.

The Sunshine Fund have been part of our lives since my son Isaac (pictured with his hippocampe) was 3 years old and we made our first grant application for a specially adapted trike. He’s 8 years old now and last year we were awarded our second Sunshine Fund grant to purchase a Hippocampe, all-terrain wheelchair.

Isaac had a rocky start to life. He was born 10 weeks prematurely and as a result of this he has complex cerebral palsy and a hearing impairment. Despite his severe physical disabilities he has got a real lust for life, he has lots of friends and enjoys outdoor activities. The Hippocampe has made it possible for the family to go to the beach, go camping, caving and on country walks. These are all things that would have been very difficult with a standard wheelchair and would have become virtually impossible as Isaac and his wheelchair get heavier and bigger.

The family really noticed the difference this winter when there was lots of snow. Before when there was thick snow or ice Isaac hardly left the house except to go to school. This year he was able to use the Metro to get to an important hospital appointment that he would otherwise have missed because our car was snowed in. He was able to go out and about in the snow and enjoyed throwing snowballs and building snowmen.

Johanna continued “It has made a huge difference to us as a family and stopped Isaac from being isolated through the bad weather. More importantly the Sunshine Fund grant has supported us to live the life that suits us as a family. We found the process of applying for the grant to be very straightforward and the staff are really friendly and helpful.

I am so very grateful to organisations such as ITPS for their tremendous support in helping my Son and others like him. I would like to encourage more businesses and individuals to support the Sunshine Fund financially. It’s a vital local charity that makes a massive difference to disabled children and their families’ lives.

Families want their children to get the most out of life but it can be a real struggle to get the equipment they need to achieve this. It’s great to know the Sunshine Fund is there to help when you really need it most, I don’t know what we’d have done without it.”

There are lots of ways individuals, companies, schools and other groups can support the Sunshine Fund. If you would like to find out more about the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund and how you can make a difference to the lives of disabled children in the North East please email carlene.golightly@ncjmedia.co.uk or call Carlene on 07794938609.

ITPS Helping Disabled Children Across The North East

For the past seven years ITPS has been a major financial supporter of the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund. Their support has provided so many children with equipment that has made an incredible difference to their life and that of their families.

ITPS is a locally based company that provides innovative, cost effective IT solutions and support packages to a wide range of diverse clients. Their success is down to the quality of the services they offer and the excellent ongoing care and support they provide to their customers.

Garry Sheriff Managing Director of ITPS said: “ITPS chose to support the Sunshine Fund as it is a local charity, close to our hearts. It’s hugely rewarding to see the benefits our continued support has made to disabled children within the North East. We have been supporting the charity for seven years and to date have donated in excess of £80,000. During this time, it has never failed to astound us just what sort of a difference our help can make to a child”.

Carol Pattison Sunshine Fund Director said: “ITPS are just an amazing company and their support has provided thousands of pounds worth of equipment that many families may not have been able to afford. The difference a piece of equipment can mean to a disabled child and their family is incredible. On behalf of the Sunshine Fund and most importantly the families whose lives you have changed, we would like to say a very big thank you.”

The Fashion Fix & Baby Lynch Goes Full Out To Help Disabled Kids

Event management students at Newcastle College are hosting a fashion show with a difference in aid of the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund. The Fashion Fix will be held on Thursday 31^st March 2011 at 8.30pm, in one of Newcastle’s most prestige night spots Baby Lynch, which is located on the Diamond Strip near Central Station. All proceeds are being donated to The Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund, to help raise money towards providing vital equipment for local disabled children.

The students are teaming up with Best Vintage fashion boutique to create a fun night that will include a fashion show and an opportunity to shop until you drop and get your hands on a great selection of vintage clothing and unique handmade jewellery.

Caroll Pattison, Fund Director of Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund said: “What a fabulous way to raise money on behalf of the Sunshine Fund. The Students are so enthusiastic about supporting our work and Best Vintage is a fantastic boutique full of unique clothes and jewellery. I am sure everyone will have a great night."

Hayley Kell, Best Vintage Manager, said: “We are delighted to support such a worthwhile charity and to know that the money raised will benefit disabled children living in the North East."

Tickets for the evening are £6 to attend the event, or why not go VIP and be treated to a cocktail reception, free goody bags and a private front row view of the catwalk. The night boasts a jam packed schedule with live music, the opportunity to buy clothes straight off the catwalk, sample cocktails at very reasonable prices and a chance to win one of the many fantastic raffle prizes.

Tickets are available from Best Vintage, High Bridge Street Newcastle or email sophieluhr@yahoo.co.uk or chrissywood_xx@hotmail.com for more information. You can also visit ‘The Fashion Fix’ on facebook for more information.