Reindeers dash to raise money for North East Charities
Sunderland families came together to run two laps of the Bridges alongside Santa and his reindeer, before opening to Sunday shoppers.
The shopping centre hosted the event for the first time this December, attracting around 150 people to the 1k dash.
Richard McCourt, one half of the famous duo Dick ’N’ Dom, led the warm up ahead of the run. He was taking a break from rehearsing his part as Smee at Sunderland Empire’s Peter Pan and got everyone involved by shouting the famous “bogies” as the children prepared to head to the starting line.
The Reindeer Dash was made possible by Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) who teamed up with the Bridges to raise money for Red Sky Ball and The Foundation of Light.
Red Sky Ball raises money for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) so they are able to provide vital medical equipment, facilities and care in hospitals in the North East.
The Ball was set up by Sergio and Emma Petrucci in recognition of the CHUF who supported the couple’s daughter, Luna, during her illness in 2015. They have raised money which helped fund Echocardiogram machines which provide detailed diagnosis of young children with heart conditions, costing £53,000 each.
Sergio Petrucci said: “I’m glad that Sunderland BID and the Bridges chose Red Sky Ball and the Foundation of Light to partner with them because they know we truly make a difference to people’s lives across Wearside.
“The turn out has been incredible, over 150 people came on this cold winters day. There were so many happy, smiling faces and they have helped us to raise quite a lot of money and we’ll be sharing that with the Foundation of Light. A fantastic result for two great causes.”
He added: “Red Sky Ball’s main aim is to make their lives a lot easier so they can be treated a little bit close to home by putting machines in their local hospitals. Such as Sunderland Royal, James Cook Hospital and the Freeman Hospital.”
Liz Barton-Jones, head of sport and wellbeing at the Foundation of Light said: “This is the first time this event has been held and as a foundation we are really proud to be part of it.”
The Foundation are based in Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, and offer a diverse range of programmes for all ages from 18 months old to grandparents.
She added: “Our programmes range from family learning and working with disabled young people to sports courses.
“The money raised will help us do more in the community.”
Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges says that the countdown to Christmas is an exciting time of the year and the Reindeer Dash is a fantastic way to get everyone in the festive spirit. It’s also a time for people to be able to give back to their community.
After the dash all of the reindeer runners were awarded medals and got a chance to visit Santa and his helpers.
Richard Craig, 32, from Sunderland said: “I’ve come to support a good cause and it’s a nice Christmas and family event. I’ve come with my daughter to have a run around the Bridges, have fun, meet Santa and raise money for a good cause.”
David Hall, 36, from Houghton-le-Spring came to the event with his family and said: “This event is superb for the local area and for the city centre as a whole. The money raised will be incredible.”
Helen Snaith, 41, from Fulwell, said: “It’s a great festive activity to be able to bring my daughter and god daughters to while raising money for two worthwhile charities.”
