£10k raised over 100 hours
A FUNDRAISING marathon podcast which was meant to run for 24 hours smashed world records after going on for 100 hours.
The “podathon” also raised an incredible amount of more than £10,000 for local charity the Sunshine Fund.
The organisers are also celebrating now holding the records for the longest podcast and the longest radio show.
Gateshead-based media company 8K Live hosted the podcast with the help of other local businesses such as North East Films and Craig Healthcare.
Everyone involved donated their time and resources for free and all donations went directly to the Sunshine Fund who desperately need it.
Local singer Alfie Dobson and Nova Radio North East 102.5fm were also part of the team.
The charity carries out vital work for the most vulnerable children in the region and solely relies on donations.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, they have found themselves at a complete loss and in urgent need of help as all of their fundraising events have had to be cancelled.
The fund purchases specialist equipment for children with disabilities when it can’t be provided on the NHS. These items, such as specialist beds or baths, can cost thousands of pounds.
But the one thing the Sunshine Fund can rely on is the help of the local community.
8K Live initially intended on running the marathon podcast for 24 hours along with celebrity guests and live performances with an aim of raising as much as possible.
But momentum built and the hosts decided to keep going and see how far they could take it.
After beginning last Sunday afternoon, the podcast was wrapped up after a whopping 100 hours on Thursday evening just after the Clap for Carers.
Hosts Simon and Gaz even had to be checked over by medics to be given to go-ahead to carry on at one point.
And it seems it was all worth it as an amazing £10,105 was raised.
Sunshine Fund director Siobhan
Sargeant said: “Around a month ago, three local businesses came together with an idea of hosting a 24-hour live fundraiser for The Chronicle Sunshine Fund to help us continue throughout the pandemic.
“The schedule included live music from people’s homes, celebrity chat and fun studio games. I didn’t know much about podcasts or how they work but I knew that their regular show Pod on the Tyne was hugely popular.
“It was a real labour of love for them and all they asked was that people get involved and support local children living with disabilities in our region. I was humbled by their attitude, they didn’t ask for any praise or recognition they simply wanted to help the charity and ensure we could carry on supplying specialist equipment to children who really need it.
“They’ve smashed two world records, gained an international audience and raised over £10,000 for our charity.
“We are so proud of what they have achieved and so grateful to have been a part of it.”
One of the organisers from North East Films said they were “blown away” by the support.
Ferson said: “We wanted to broadcast continuously for as long as possible to raise much needed funds for a charity that does so much for the region’s disabled children and their families.
“It’s incredible to sit here right now and say we’ve broken two world records - the longest podcast and the longest radio show concurrently - and we’re delighted with everyone’s efforts, the amazing guests we’ve had on over the last 100 hours and all those who have donated.
“We raised £10,105 in total - a sum we’re completely blown away with.”