South Shields charity supporting families of ill children hoping to raise £15,000 through summer events
A £15,000 target has been given by a South Tyneside charity as their summer events get underway.
A South Shields charity which supports families of severely ill children is kicking off a busy summer of events to help parents pay their bills.
The Charlie and Carter Foundation, which is based in the Denmark Centre in South Shields, is encouraging the public to support their series of events including a huge funfair at South Shields Football Club.
The fair is one of the key dates in the charity’s calendar and is a major way they raise money to support parents.
“We try and do quite a lot” explains Laura Forbes, the charity’s Fundraising and Events Manager.
“Because of the way we’re funded we have to do a lot through events and fundraising. Our schedules are pretty jam packed.
“It’s all about engaging with the local community and supporting people but also giving them fun things to do” she added.
The summer of events got underway with a charity golf day at Wearside Golf Club on Friday, July 10 with the funfair coming in the final weeks of the summer holidays on Sunday, August 23.
“We’ve got music and entertainment, stalls for people to browse - just a bit of everything with lots of local businesses getting involved” adds Laura.
Additional events will see the charity host a virtual duck race and a month-long community effort to climb the equivalent of Mount Kilamanjaro, the largest mountain in Africa.
The charity was set up by Sarah and Chris Cookson, who tragically lost two children on seperate occasions. Because of the lack of financial support they had, they set up the foundation to support families who may struggle with money during time caring for their children.
Up to £3,000 are now able to be offered by the charityto ease the pressure from impacted families. This includes council tax or gas electric bills as well as mortgages.
They also have a berevement fund to support families with bills or funeral costs.
The group hope to raise up to £15,000 this summer through their various events over the summer.
Following the peak summer months, the charity is hoping to see runners sign up for the Great North 5k on Friday, September 11 to raise additional funds.
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