The Sunshine Fund has provided a transparent look at how public donations are directly transforming the lives of children living with disabilities and complex needs across the North East.
Where Your Money Goes: From Sensory Bundles to Life-Changing Technology
As the local charity closes its latest equipment funding round, it reveals the specific items local families have requested. Recent applications highlight both the variety of needs and the significant costs involved in sourcing specialist equipment.
Smaller items make an immediate impact, with a sensory bundle costing £146, laptops at £499, and iPads priced around £360. These devices are crucial for children with conditions including autism, Down syndrome, and visual impairments, aiding communication, providing accessibility features, and helping with self-regulation.
The cost of essential safety equipment presents another challenge. Specialist car seats, necessary for many children with disabilities, range from £400 to £1,000, demonstrating the premium price of adapted equipment compared to standard versions.
Addressing Basic Comfort and High-Tech Solutions
The charity also reports frequent applications for buggy and wheelchair accessories like rain covers and fleece-lined inserts. These items provide vital protection and warmth during winter months, yet families often must cover these costs themselves even after receiving a buggy or wheelchair through the NHS or Local Authority.
At the other end of the spectrum, one of the most significant applications is for an innovative 'Exopulse Suit' priced at £5,190. This wearable technology is for a child with a genetic disorder, cerebral palsy, and other conditions affecting muscle tone and mobility.
The suit uses neuromodulation to manage spasticity and related pain, offering the potential to dramatically improve quality of life and enhance mobility for children who cannot stand or walk unaided.
How You Can Support This Christmas
All donations raised until the end of 2026 will directly enhance the lives of North East children. This Christmas, the charity invites support through several initiatives.
On Friday 5th December, they launch 'Festive Friday' - a budget-friendly alternative to Christmas Jumper Day. Participants are encouraged to wear festive accessories, from jingly earrings to Santa hats, and donate £2.
For those wishing to maximise their impact, all donations made to their Big Give Christmas Challenge page between December 2 and 9 will be doubled at no extra cost. Alternatively, volunteers can register interest for the Santa Grotto Bus in Newcastle City Centre, helping with bucket collections around this accessible festive experience.
More information is available at www.thesunshinefund.org/christmas, or by emailing hello@thesunshinefund.org.
