5k Sunshine Run back on Quayside

MUCH-LOVED EVENT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR DISABLED CHILDREN

KEEN runners are being urged to take part in an annual run that helps to raise money for North East children with disabilities.

The 5K Sunshine Run will be back at Newcastle Quayside on Wednesday, June 19, in aid of The Chronicle Sunshine Fund.

The race, which is in its 21st year, will be started by Paralympian Stephen Miller.

Runners will set off from the Millennium Bridge, head towards Newcastle Business Park and back to cross the finish line with the Tyne’s bridges as a backdrop.

The 5K route, which is flat and fast, is suitable for runners of all abilities. All participants will receive their own Team Sunshine T-shirt, a medal and chip timing to provide accurate results.

Stagecoach is sponsoring this event for the fourth year running, supporting The Sunshine Fund with its vital work. The charity provides life-changing equipment to children living with disabilities, additional needs and terminal illness.

The type of equipment includes sensory bundles, trikes, ipads, laptops, eye gaze technology, adapted seating, specialist wheelchairs and buggies.

Helen Dalby, chair of the Sunshine Fund board of trustees, said: “The Chronicle Sunshine Fund carries out vital work to help the many children living with disabilities, additional needs, and chronic and terminal illnesses here in the North East.

“Our Sunshine Run is an unmissable chance to raise essential funds to make sure we can meet the demand we’re seeing for equipment and support local families.

“The equipment we fund is not available through statutory services like local authorities or the NHS, but is essential to the daily lives of our Sunshine children and their families and carers.

“The equipment enriches quality of life for not only the children, but their families and the communities where they live, learn and play. It’s absolutely the case that the equipment we fund changes lives for the better.

“The Sunshine Fund receives no Government funding and so we rely solely on the generosity of supporters across the North East – and we need the support of our incredible region more than ever as we look ahead to our centenary in 2028. Our charity’s history is so closely linked to our iconic Tyne Bridge – the Sunshine Run is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate that.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Newcastle Quayside. Standard entry is £22. For affiliated club runners, entry is £20.

The registration desk opens at 5pm, entertainment will be from 6pm and the race starts at 7pm.

Entertainment will include a steel band, sunshine-themed songs from a choir.

Online entry closes on Wednesday, June 5. Fundraising is encouraged but is not required for this event.

All proceeds raised through race entries go directly towards helping local children thrive.

There is a 10% discount for corporate teams of 10+ runners and, if you’re local to Newcastle, your T-shirts will be delivered ahead of the big day. If you would like to submit a team please email Sophie.revell@thesunshinefund.org to discuss the process.

■ For more information about the Sunshine Fund visit their website online.

The annual Sunshine Run