Big donations help us spread some sunshine

Hi Sunshine News Readers

I hope you all enjoyed the weather over the bank holiday weekend. It was lovely to see so many communities coming together while exercising social distancing of course, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day last week. All over our region households, neighbourhoods, businesses and schools shared photos and videos of their celebrations and made us feel like we were all a part of something really special, even if we weren't all together as many of us had planned. I shared a lovely themed, home made afternoon tea with my family and we all raised a glass to those who gave so much for our freedom.

As the news around the health crisis continues to change and a plan to ease lockdown is outlined, we look forward to updating all of our supporters on events and campaigns for the rest of 2020! We all know our world has changed considerably over the past 8 weeks, life looks very different to how it did in March, but one thing remains and that is our commitment to supporting children living with disabilities in our region. Throughout the crisis, we have been humbled by the donations, messages of support and pledges of commitment from our supporters. It means the world to us to know that we have your continued support. If you have contributed to our Urgent Appeal, thank you!

Now for some exciting news to share, we are the chosen charity beneficiaries of The Big Big Show’s 24 hour LIVE marathon which will go live across You Tube, local radio and social media from 4pm on Sunday 24th May. The free event will be 24 hours of family entertainment including live music, special guests, fun games (Pocket bingo anyone?!), a family quiz and even a disco in your living room! Join us for interactive fundraising and chat from the makers of the ever popular local podcast Pod on The Tyne. Check out the website for further details including key timings and guests https://www.TheBIGBIGShow.co.uk

Event organisers 8K Live have pledged to raise an astonishing £10,000 for our charity through the live marathon and there will be lots of surprises throughout the event which is kindly sponsored by NE Films and Kinder Castle Nursery Tynemouth. There will be special appearances from Alfie Joey from BBC Newcastle, X Factor favourites He Knows She Knows and Geoff Mull and local singing sensation Junior Turner. You will also hear from some of the families we have supported and how the equipment we have provided them with has changed their lives. Look out for further coverage of this remarkable event in The Chronicle next week and across our social media channels!

Take care and stay safe

Siobhan