Runners’ embark on 12 hour relay to raise money to keep families with sick children in hospital together

A team of running enthusiasts will be taking on a 12 hour relay by doing a house-to-house three mile loop to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust.

The team of six, led by Andrew Young, from Seaham, will run the distance between The Sick Children’s Trust’s two Newcastle ‘Homes from Home’, Scott and Crawford Houses, on repeat for 12 hours in a bid to raise over £500 for the charity on Saturday 22 August. The Sick Children’s Trust supports families with children in hospital by giving them a place to stay, free of charge, just a stone’s throw away from the hospital wards.

Having worked with a number of families that have been given a place to stay by the charity, Andrew, who works for Newcastle’s Welfare Rights Services, has seen first-hand the difference Scott and Crawford Houses make to families with poorly children in hospital. He said:

“A couple of years ago I stepped in for a colleague on a Children with Disabilities project which is when I first came across The Sick Children’s Trust’s work. I had never heard of the charity before or seen what it did for families, but from the second I walked into Scott House I really understood why it was so important. The families I meet are so appreciative for having a place to stay, it gives them security while they are going through something really difficult. It’s not just the ‘Homes from Home’s themselves but also the staff who are there to support the families in whatever way they can while their child is in hospital.

“Me and my friends were planning to do the Endure24 running challenge in July however that’s been cancelled. Despite this, I really wanted to do something for The Sick Children’s Trust especially as I have seen exactly who will benefit from anything we raise.

“On the day, each runner will cover more than a marathon distance by running three mile loop around the garden, which is the distance between Scott and Crawford Houses. Over the years I’ve had an on and off relationship with running, but because I really care about The Sick Children’s Trust and what the charity does I’ll be more determined than ever to see this challenge through!”

The Sick Children’s Trust supports almost 3,800 families every year by giving families a place to stay. Charlotte Coldrey, Community Fundraising Officer for The Sick Children’s Trust, said:

“We were delighted when we heard from Andrew to say that he had come up with this idea – on a treadmill no less – when his event was cancelled during lockdown. It is a really innovative challenge which will be difficult for everyone involved, so we are especially grateful to Andrew and his friends for taking it on!

“Without our support, the families who stay at our Newcastle ‘Homes from Home’ would be travelling, on average, for around 1hr 40 minutes to be with their child every day. Without vital donations and events like Andrew’s we cannot be there for families, taking this stress away. We want to give families with seriously ill children in hospital a safe place to stay close to their child. £30 is what it takes but any amount you can give will greatly help.”

To support Andrew and his teammates, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-young37