The region’s oldest independent children’s charity, Children North East, has been chosen to be this year’s charity for the Blaydon Races.
The charity, founded in 1891 the same year the famous song was published, works with children, young people and families giving them a hand up rather than a hand out. Being this year’s recipient of the Blaydon Races means that when runners sign up to for the race in June, they also have the opportunity to make an online donation to the charity, something they are hoping many will do in its 125th anniversary year.
Jeremy Cripps, Chief Executive, said: “We are beyond delighted to have been chosen as the charity for this year’s Blaydon Race. It really is an honour and a great opportunity for us.
With around 4,500 runners taking part in the event, the fundraising potential is huge for us. Even if runners only donated £1, that would give us an incredible £4,500 to be able to carry on the essential support we provide to children, young people and families in the region. We also hope to be able to raise a lot of awareness for the work we do in this, our 125th year.”
Lynn Craig, race organiser, said: “We are delighted to have Children North East as the official charity for the 2016 Blaydon Race.
This charity stood out for us, working with children, young people and their families who are living in poverty or whose lives are disadvantaged because of family misfortune. The runners are notoriously generous and we hope they spare what they can again this year donating to a fantastic charity.”