CHIN-UP

A Message from Jack and Bobby Charlton

We are always privileged to support anything that benefits this great North - East region of ours and are proud to have been officially involved with the Great North Run at different times. Ten years ago both of us were also delighted to become patrons of the CHIN-UP charity which has campaigned tirelessly, on an all voluntary basis, for an independent children’s hospice (not linked to hospitals or adult hospices) to ease the burden of families in the region with a terminally ill child. As very proud fathers and grandfathers we can’t even begin to imagine outliving our children or grandchildren.

An independent children’s hospice is geared to the whole family as a unit so that they can make the most of the life they all have together. Sadly a purpose built independent children’s hospice costs millions of pounds to build and run. Other areas of the country have achieved it and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t add such a necessity to the fine services and amenities already available that have placed Newcastle and Gateshead firmly on the international map.

After ten years of hard grass roots fundraising made up of personal donations from penny jar collections to coffee mornings, domino cards, raffles, and sponsorship money from the Great North Run, Junior Great North Run and the Great North Walk, CHIN-UP now has enough money to provide a ‘half-way house’ in the form of a detached holiday home on the beautiful Northumbrian Coast. CHIN-UP will continue to campaign for an independent children’s hospice but will be able to give public benefit now to families of terminally ill bairns by providing a house in peaceful surroundings that is near to all the traditional seaside amenities that all families love to enjoy.

The world is full of good causes and the North East has its share. What charity people support is a very personal choice often based on their own life experience. The world is full of generous people and the North East has a reputation second to none as the Tsunami appeals by aid agencies clearly demonstrated. The death of a child is a very painful private family matter and when their time comes terminally ill children often slip away quietly with only families, friends and carers knowing.

Our thanks to all those who over the past ten years were able to contribute to CHIN-UP’s great cause by taking part in Great North events and going to the trouble to ask family, friends and workmates to sponsor them. Your kindness and dedication have helped to secure a ‘half way house’ in the form of a splendid holiday home, but the race still has a long way to go.