Tyne Tunnel operator launches charity fund to help South Tyneside hospice

The Tyne Tunnels Community Fund has been kicked off with an initial donation of almost £4,000 to four charities in the hope of helping them to make a big difference in the community.

The launch of the fund comes as TT2 celebrates the fifth anniversary of the second road tunnel - which was completed in November 2011 and opened in July 2012.

Since the second tunnel opened more than 80 million journeys have been made through them.

The initial donations were divided between St Clare’s Hospice, in Jarrow; St Paul’s Community Partnership, Wallsend; East Howdon Community Centre, North Tyneside, and national cancer charity CLIC Sergeant.

Ron Henderson, tunnel manager at TT2 Limited, said: “When TT2 was first founded, to deliver the second road crossing at the Tyne Tunnel, part of the agreement we signed with the local authorities which owned the tunnel was that we would support good causes in the local community, throughout its construction.

“Since the construction was completed in 2011 we have continued to give to local charities and causes.

“With the creation of this fund we are ensuring help is given to the people that need it most, in the most efficient and effective way possible.

“Now, we’re asking for good causes from North and South of the Tyne, like those we have supported today, to come forward and tell us how we can help them.”

Vanessa Middleton of St Clare’s Hospice, praised the fund which she said would be a big help to the local community.

She said: “The Tyne Tunnels Community Fund will help the local community because it directly benefits charities and organisations situated by the tunnel itself.”

To contact the Tyne Tunnels Community Fund regarding a cause which may appreciate help from the fund, visit: www.tt2.co.uk