Going bananas in the sun
Reporter HUNDREDS of runners wearing yellow went bananas in the name of charity as they took on the annual Sunshine Run.
Fundraisers pounded the pavements of Newcastle Gateshead Quayside in the blistering heat for the popular sponsored challenge.
Every penny from the event goes to The Chronicle Sunshine Fund’s Go Bananas appeal, which supports children with disabilities and life limiting illnesses across the North East.
The 15th outing of the 5k fun run, sponsored by Intu Metrocentre and Intu Eldon Square, kicked off at 7pm on Wednesday as participants warmed up for event.
Among the runners was Christine Flint, from Ryton whose nine-yearold daughter Niamh has been helped twice by the Sunshine Fund – with a specialist hydro bath and an all-terrain buggy.
Niamh has Rett syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that affects the brain development, resulting in severe mental and physical disability. Christine said: “The help from the Sunshine Fund has been fantastic for Niamh – the buggy means we can get out and about with her much more.” Runners, including teams of friends, family members and work colleagues, headed east along the Newcastle quayside path before doubling back and finishing in Baltic Square, after crossing the Millennium Bridge. Simon Tucker, operations manager at Intu Metrocentre, said: “It’s great to be here because we’re very passionate about the Sunshine Fund, and it’s