We have got a vision for 2020.

Happy new year from all of us at The Chronicle sunshine Fund. We hope you enjoyed celebrating with loved ones and feeling motivated for the new year ahead, and what a year we have planned.

As always, we love to aim big here at the charity, and for 2020 it’s no exception. We’re already brimming with exciting ideas, amazing event announcements and we’re launching new campaigns that we can’t wait for you to be a part of. You can support us this year by fundraising, attending our events or volunteering. Your support will enable us to raise funds to enhance the lives of children with disabilities across the North East by providing life changing equipment to meet their specialist needs. There is something for everyone. Don't miss out on updates and events by signing up to our newsletter on our website and making sure your diary is up to date with all of our key dates.

This month keep your eyes peeled on the Great North Run website as the ballot open for you to take part in this year’s event. It’s the 40th year the run has taken place, so it’s set to be a big one and we can’t wait to see our runners supporting us in one of the biggest running events in the country. Register for a guaranteed charity place with us and raise £300 or apply in the general ballot to just raise what you can. All of our runners benefit from regular communications with fundraising and training tips and will also receive an exclusive Team Sunshine running vest in time for the big day!

In February we celebrate remarkable women in the North East at our fabulous annual Glass Slipper Awards. Recognising inspiring females from our region, across 7 categories, the Glass Slipper Awards is a truly incredible afternoon and one not to be missed. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the event are still available so be sure to get in touch to find out more.

In April we announce our trek for 2021 and in May we launch our community month, in which we encourage you to get creative in helping us fundraise for the spring! From bake sales to fun runs, to bag packs and exciting challenges, the bigger the better and we love to see how many of you get involved.

In June, of course, we officially launch our biggest fundraising appeal of the year – Go Bananas. Taking place throughout the month, Go Bananas truly takes over the North East as we try to raise £40,000 to support the children in our Summer equipment round. With pieces in paper every day with Newcastle Chronicle, a full social media takeover, not to mention our annual Sunshine Run 5K, we as that everyone supports in any way they can by quite literally Going Bananas.

Showing no signs of slowing down, September is yet another busy month for us as we take part in the Great North Run and the Mini and Junior run at Newcastle Quayside. Team Mini Sunshine is the opportunity for many of our Sunshine Children to take part in a mainstream sporting event where their disability does not prevent them from having fun and being like any other child. Could you be a part of the yellow dream team and join Team Mini Sunshine this year?

Of course, we have our ever popular annual events for you to look forward to this year such as our Sunshine Ball at the end of September, with a very exciting theme to be announced soon, and our sell out Question of Sport event in November that sees competitive guests gather to take part in the regions only quiz of its kind.

We can’t wait to improve the lives of children in the North-East with your help in 2020!

Katie x