How you can take part in a South Shields pub crawl in memory of brothers Charlie and Carter Cookson

The 12 pubs in 12 miles event, organised by the Charlie and Carter Cookson Foundation, will take place officially for the second time on Saturday, March 14.

More than 100 people have already signed up to take part in the event which will see supporters walk 12 miles through South Shields visiting many of the town’s much-loved pubs along the way.

Starting and finishing at The Fountain walkers will call in at boozers including The Bamburgh, the New Sundial, The Beehive, Alum House, Trimmers Arms, Prima, New Mill, Prosecco Lounge, Harley’s Bar, The Vigilant and The Westoe.

Landlords and bar staff will be waiting to greet them with open arms and discounted drinks offers.

But the day is also about raising money for the charity and sharing the boys’ story with the town.

The foundation was set up in 2013 by Chris and Sarah Cookson after the loss of their son Charlie, aged two, to help families with seriously ill children.

In January 2019 the couple suffered another heartbreaking loss when their second son, Carter, passed away at just three weeks old after being born premature and failing to find a vital heart donor.

Since it was founded the charity has provided over £200,000 in financial support and helped more than 60 families of children with serious and life-limiting conditions.

“It’s always an amazing day, it’s all about the boys and getting their story out there,” said charity manager, Joanne Nicholson.

“We’ll all be wearing charity T-shirts and often end up getting more supporters on the back of it.”

The event came about two years ago by accident when their annual fundraising walk from Stadium of Light to St James’ Park was cancelled, but a group of volunteers decided to do the 12 miles anyway.

It was such a success that last year they made it official.

“We just did it on a random day but we got so much out of it we decided to do it every year,” said Joanne.

Last year saw them raise £3,400 – enough to support a family financially for one month – and this year they are hoping to top it.

“It’s about raising money and awareness of the charity,” she added.

“We just hope we can beat last year and that people come along and have a great day.”

Those wanting to take part will need to contact Joanne on [email protected] or on 0191 466 1428 and fill out a registration form.

The pub crawl will start from The Fountain on Highfield Road at 11am.

The full list of pubs is as follows:

- The Fountain;

- The Bamburgh;

- New Sundial;

- The Beehive;

- Alum House;

- Trimmers Arms;

- Prima;

- New Mill;

- Prosecco Lounge;

- Harley’s Bar;

- The Vigilant;

- The Westoe.