September 7, 2026
Harrison Foundation Doubles Sunshine Fund Donations Ahead of Great North Run Weekend
With the Junior and Mini Great North Runs fast approaching, the Harrison Foundation is helping Sunshine Fund runners make an even bigger difference for children and families across the North East.
More than 70 youngsters are preparing to pull on their running shoes and represent The Sunshine Fund on the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, raising vital funds to support children living with disabilities across the region.
As official sponsor of The Sunshine Fund’s Junior and Mini Great North Run teams for 2026, the Harrison Foundation has committed to matching every donation made to the team, meaning the impact of their fundraising will be doubled.
The pledge gives every young runner an added incentive as they prepare for the big day, knowing that every pound they raise will go twice as far in helping The Sunshine Fund provide vital support to local children and their families.
The Harrison Foundation has supported The Sunshine Fund since 2017, with the relationship developing through donations, fundraising events and community initiatives.
Last year, the Foundation donated more than £27,000 to The Sunshine Fund, helping to fund 30 pieces of specialist equipment. The support directly benefited 29 individual children and one primary school, providing equipment including mobility aids, sensory resources and communication and learning tools.
Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE will also be joining Team Sunshine on the day, running alongside his own children.
Daniel said: “We’re incredibly proud to sponsor Team Sunshine at this year’s Junior and Mini Great North Runs and to continue the long-standing partnership between the Harrison Foundation and The Sunshine Fund.
“Over the past seven years, we’ve seen first-hand the difference the charity makes to children and families across the North East, and it’s a cause that means a great deal to us.
“The Junior and Mini Great North Runs are always such special events, bringing families together and giving young people the chance to take on a challenge while raising money to help other children in their community.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Team Sunshine out in force on the Quayside and cheering on every one of the runners. We’re delighted to play our part in what I’m sure will be another fantastic day.”
David Wilson, head of the Sunshine Fund, added: “We’re privileged to continue our strong partnership with the Harrison Foundation who are longstanding supporters of our cause. By enabling our Junior and Mini runners to make twice the difference in this year’s Great North Run, it means more kids can be supported with the equipment they desperately need.
“We simply can’t make the biggest impact possible without organisations like the Harrison Foundation who understand and are part of our mission to create brighter futures for North East families. Their continued commitment to helping us create new opportunities for young people in our region is hugely appreciated.”
The Junior and Mini Great North Runs have become an important part of the Great North Run weekend, giving young people the opportunity to experience the excitement of one of the region’s biggest sporting occasions while raising money for causes that make a difference in their communities.
For Team Sunshine’s 70-plus runners, this year’s event is an opportunity to take on a personal challenge while helping other young people across the North East.
We wish all of Team Sunshine the very best of luck and look forward to cheering them across the finish line.