'Show your colours' - South Tyneside walkers wanted for Weebles to Souter Lighthouse charity trek
Walkers are urged to wear blue or purple for a charity fundraising walk from South Shields to Souter Lighthouse.
Blue is the colour – and purple, too – for walkers when they stretch their legs for an eight-mile round trip fundraising South Tyneside coastal stroll.
They are being asked to wear an article of clothing in one or both shades when they leisurely trek from South Shields’ seafront to historic Souter Lighthouse to support health services.
The colours represent STS Charity, the official charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
The walk starts at the Weebles art installation, near Littlehaven Hotel, at 11am on Saturday, August 29.
It has been organised by bosses of the Gym Group South Shields and is the fitness centre’s latest initiative for the charity.
Since last year, its trainers and members have supported it through various health-related activities, so far raising just over £2,000.
Another £250 is the target for the day via a £5 per person donation – and willing participants can sign up online or attend on the day.
Gym Group South Shields general manager, Simone Liscombe, said: “This is the perfect challenge for anyone who loves to walk by a beach or along our lovely coast.
“It’s a great opportunity to do some gentle exercise in the outdoors and among great scenery – and it also provides an opportunity to meet new people.
“We aren’t putting a time goal on the event as we want it to be relaxed and accessible for everyone.
“The reason we chose to do a walk is because it is something everyone can get involved in and it’s great for mental health and physical wellbeing.
“It would be great if those taking part would wear an item of clothing that is blue or purple to represent the STS charity.
“I’m hoping we can get at least 50 people, which would raise £250 for the charity.”
Cllr Elliott Curry, Lead Member for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and the Voluntary Sector, said the walk was about people coming together, supporting one another and making a positive difference.
He added: “Whether you're taking part to raise money for a great local cause, to meet new people, to improve your wellbeing or to simply enjoy our beautiful coastline, every step you take will help support the valuable work of STS Charity.
“I’d encourage anyone who can to get involved in what promises to be a great community event."
And Nichola Taylor, Head of STS Charity, added: “We’d like to thank the Gym Group at South Shields for their continued support to STS Charity.
“STS Charity is here to make a difference to South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. Patients, their families and our local communities are at the heart of everything we do.
“The Gym Group has supported STS Charity for over a year now, raising an incredible amount to support the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital during our Vision Appeal.
“The funds raised from their fundraising walk will support patient care and experience across the Trust, enabling us to go above and beyond for patients across our hospitals and services.
“It’s also a fantastic way to bring people together, enjoy the outdoors and raise awareness of health and the benefits of fitness.”
More information is at https://stsft.enthuse.com/cf/the-gym-group