Hi everyone, where are the weeks going - it’s one long round of fun and ‘fun’draising for me!

I visited Hadrian School in Newcastle again on Thursday with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors who helped organise a balloon release.

The excitement was amazing as the 500 pink balloons were floated up into the sky. It was lovely to show our good supporters that their money goes to such an inspiring place.

So my first thanks goes to Chris Rollings, Hadrian’s head, for letting the children take time out of their busy day to join us. It was fab.

Many thanks to all 85 runners who have signed up to run this years Great North Run for the Sunshine Fund - I hope your training is going well?

We still have 10 spaces left so if you are thinking of taking part the closing date is fast approaching. If you are interested and would like to know more call Clare on 0191 2016068 or email clare.savoury@ncjmedia. co.uk

I enjoyed a very informative and lovely day at The Calvert Trust at Kielder on Friday watching some visiting children that have benefited from the Sunshine fund taking part in a zip slide, which was amazing. The kids thought it was great fun, but it also helps with confidence and team building programmes. We have supported the centre a few times over the years and are looking to help them again as they desperately require some new safety equipment and canoes, if you would like to help please send a donation to the Sunshine Fund at the Chronicle office or go to www.sunshine-fund.org.uk to donate.

We are very fortunate to have some great supporters. I would like to mention a few that have sent in donations this week: Percy Hedley school organised a cake stall and raising £87.50.

Nham Lee asked for donations for the fund instead of gifts for her daughter Grace’s birthday party and raised £103.75. Students from Newcastle University donated flower and herb kits which raised £72 from ncjMedia staff. Lastly, the Mr Lynch bar, who raised £72.11 from collection boxes.

GoBananas hysteria is building up in the office with June fast approaching, not a day goes by without one of us bringing in lemon cakes, yellow nail varnish or a grow your own Sunflower pot with lots of pennies being raised.

I hope you will join us in the fun by organising a little something of your own and raising funds. I have just agreed to a summer party on father’s day. Gordon Brown law firm are organising a fashion show at Babucho, noon to 3pm on June 20, the picture shows the ladies organising the event getting in the mood with their yellow cocktails - nice one! Have a fun weekend, I will be back next Thursday with more Sunshine Fund tales! Best wishes, Caroll

If you want more information on the fund, or need to find out how to apply for a grant, click here or call me on 0191 201 6289.

SUPPORT From above left, Carroll Herd, Sarah Clark, Maria Collinson, Claire Connor and Amy Whyte at Babucho Bar in Newcastle, who are holding a fashion show in aid of the Sunshine Fund