Gazette readers make South Tyneside proud with vital fundraising work during pandemic

Charities have been hard-hit by the restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, which led to the cancellation of countless fundraising events.

Across South Tyneside, families have been doing their bit to support good causes close to their hearts at times of difficulty.

In a call-out on the Shields Gazette Facebook page, we asked you to share your stories of pandemic fundraising.

Here is a selection of your inspiring acts of kindness and generosity.

Thank you to everyone who shared a story with us – submissions have been edited for length.

Mandy Defty: “My daughter and I are currently fundraising for CHUF and have recently raised £500 for CCHF, who helped my daughter and her partner whilst my week-old grandson was in intensive care for heart surgery.”

Faye Turner: “I am running 50 miles in February to raise money for Mind. I’m doing this in memory of my dad who passed away 10 years ago this month due to suicide and I know how much lockdown is having an effect on people’s mental health.”

Jamie Buckham: “My little boy, who's tube fed, did a sponsored toddle around Marine Park to raise funds for Harley’s Toy Appeal for nil by mouth children, meaning all children spending time in hospital wards F63 F64 and F65 over Christmas received a gift which was a toy, and not chocolate or sweets. My son was on F65 for four weeks with meningitis over Christmas 2019 and was grateful to receive a gift from Harley’s.”

Kristal Warburton: “I’ve been doing 2,800 squats for Teenage Cancer Trust, 3,000 sit ups for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity & walking 62 miles for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. Every single penny helps each individual charity and helps you keep fit during the lockdown.”

Clare Allen: “My eight-year-old son shaved his head to support his friend who was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer in December. He raised £1,565 for the Children’s Cancer Fund at the RVI.”

Steven Lomas: “I’m currently fundraising for my nephew who has just been diagnosed with a rare bone cancer- osteosarcoma. With the amazing support of people I have raised over £3,500 so far for a sponsored head shave to support him while he starts chemotherapy.”

Tricia Vickers: "Our 10-year-old granddaughter Orla Rose is raising awareness for dementia by walking 100k with her puppy Finn. Orla’s great grandma Agnes has Alzheimer's so this is a charity close to her heart.”

Tara Johnson: “I am standing for the first time in 20 years for 21 hours over five days starting from March 8 to raise funds for a disabled leisure complex in the North East.”

Graham Erickson: “I’m completing a virtual Route 66 challenge to raise money for The Toby Henderson Trust at The Autism Hub.”

Corrina Danby: “Me & my son are doing Walk for Autism on March 23. 10,000 steps for eight days. My son has autism & we both would like to help raise money for supporting kids & adults with autism.”

Gemma Hodgson: “Me and my colleagues at Primark Newcastle have been walking or running 5k in February to raise money for Tiny Lives.”

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