The North East has a huge amount of not for profit organisations and charities that are helping some of the most vulnerable members of the community through some of the most difficult times of their lives. If you’re looking for a way to make this summer special, consider taking on one of these challenges, and raising money for a charity that makes a difference.
The Tyne Trail: Daft as a Brush (any time)
Daft as a Brush’s Tyne Trail is the brainchild of Brian Burnie, the founder of Daft as a Brush. Brian walked the Tyne Trail, from the source of the river Tyne to where the river meets the sea in 2012. Stone obelisks mark the source of the North Tyne, South Tyne, where the rivers meet and at the end of the walk where the river joins the sea.
Taking on this 135 mile walk is no small feat, but don’t worry, you’ll spend the time enjoying the beauty of Northumberland and end your adventure at the stunning North East coastline. If you walk for Daft as a Brush, you’ll be raising money for a charity which transports cancer patients to and from hospital, completely free of charge.
The Great North Run: Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) (8th September 2024)
The Great North Run is one of the biggest and most recognisable half-marathons in the world. Around 60,000 runners take on the challenge each year, raising money for a wide range of local and international charities. The Great North Run will take you from the iconic Tyne Bridge to the coast at South Shields.
If you’re looking for a local charity to support this year, we’d recommend running for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund, or CHUF. It aims to provide funding and support to children who require heart transplants, and raises money for research, equipment and facilities at the Freeman Hospital, one of the two hospitals in the UK which provides children’s heart transplants.
Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike: Macmillan Cancer Support (14th September 2024)
Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike is a 26.5 mile hike which starts at the beautiful Alnwick Castle, before continuing on to Alnmouth and then following the coastline North up to Craster, Seahouses and finally finishing at Bamburgh Castle. You’ll also be treated to a fresh buffet lunch halfway along the course, as well as snacks and drinks at pitstop, a hot meal at the end and a glass of champagne when you cross the finish line.
Macmillan Cancer Support is a UK-wide charity which supports those living with cancer. They offer advice on treatments, paying bills and accessing benefits and have a support line and web chat service, which is open seven days a week
South Shields Memory Walk: Alzheimer’s Society (5th October 2024)
The South Shields Memory Walk starts at Bents Exhibition Park. Participants can choose to walk the 1.5km or 7km route; the 1.5km route is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and the 7km route is a more challenging hike around the North East coastline. If you want to take part, but the walk isn’t for you, they’re also accepting applications for volunteers to help run the event.
When you try the South Shields Memory Walk, you’ll be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. This is a UK-wide charity which provides support and advice to those living with dementia, as well as their family and friends. They also fund research and run campaigns to raise awareness of dementia and the impact that it has on individuals and those around them.
