Ant and Dec open Chronicle Sunshine Fund charity sporting fundraiser

I’m a Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec welcomed guests to The Chronicle Sunshine Fund’s Question of Sport fundraising dinner last week with a special message sharing their support for the cause. The annual sporting quiz and dinner is a firm favorite on the charity events calendar in the North East, and has been attended by local companies and sporting heroes for the past three decades.

The Geordie duo are patrons of The Sunshine Fund and are always keen to show their commitment to the cause which supports children across the region with disabilities, additional needs and life-limiting conditions. The TV pair weren’t the only local legends featured at the event with Stephen Miller, three times Paralympian gold champion and committed Sunshine Fund patron, joining guests for the evening’s quiz and games.

Held at The Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park, and hosted by Sky Sports and Pete Graves, the night was a lively mix of sporting games, trivia and fundraising, with competitive spirit and generosity high in the room. The evening saw the charity raise over £10,500, with the money going immediately towards the purchase of essential and life-changing equipment.

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Head of charity David Wilson said “The North East has the highest record of disability in the UK, and demand for specialist and adapted items is growing rapidly every day. We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of the Question of Sport guests this year, and the donations raised on the night will go directly to funding our winter equipment round, which alongside our Christmas appeal will help us to reach as many children as possible in 2024 and beyond.

"This level of fundraising is only possible because of the amazing support we receive from our guests and community, including our long-term event sponsors Lowes Financial Management, who have helped us to make Question of Sport the huge success it is."

As well as being well known for Question of Sport, The Sunshine Fund is also famed for their accessible and free Santa Bus which visits Newcastle city centre every December. The Santa Bus is just part of their annual festivities with a host of other activities taking place including their Christmas jumper day, carol singing with schools, and lots festive fundraising.

For more information visit www.thesunshinefund.org/christmas.