The Great North Run is always an exciting weekend, and one of the main highlights this year is set to be Saturday’s Mini Great North Run.

Some of the North East’s most inspirational kids will run, walk or wheel their way to the finish line of the 1.5km route. At True Potential, we are delighted to be supporting Team Mini Sunshine, which will comprise 60 youngsters taking part to help change the lives of disabled children in the North East.

Many of these children, aged from three to eight, have benefited directly from the Sunshine Fund, which works to purchase specialist equipment for local disabled children when they can’t get it on the NHS. One of the most inspiring moments of the entire Great North Run weekend will be the smiles on the faces of these children as they conquer the iconic quayside course.

David Harrison, Chairman of True Potential, founder of the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, and co-founder of the Social Mobility Pledge, said: “We’re really pleased to support the Sunshine Fund’s Mini and Junior Great North Run team because it’s a great way to mix the serious side of raising money to provide practical support to young people, while also having a lot of fun.

“At True Potential, we really believe that social mobility and how far you can go in life shouldn’t be determined by individual circumstances or where you started.

“The Mini and Junior Great North Runs always send out a strong message that whatever your personal circumstances may be, you can still be the best version of yourself by taking part, competing and achieving your personal goals.”

True Potential’s support for Team Mini Sunshine is the latest in a summer of Social Mobility projects that aimed to increase opportunities for all. Earlier this year True Potential staff took part in a ‘Kick for Cash’ penalty shootout which raised £15,000 for local charities, which True Potential then doubled to £30,000.

Following this, True Potential sponsored the World Transplant Games 2019 at Gateshead International Stadium, helping to raise awareness of the need for more organ donors.

The Mini Great North Run promises to be another fantastic experience, and we’ve also held a fundraising day for True Potential staff taking part in the main Great North Run.

We were pleased to welcome Team Mini Sunshine Manager Lauren Thompson to our head office recently. “We absolutely cannot wait to see Team Mini Sunshine this year! Last year’s event was such a special day for everyone involved as it was an opportunity to catch up with and meet some of our families for the first time,” she said. “Seeing the kids have so much a moment we will never forget, especially some of our children who achieved so much by walking across the finish line with walking aids and frames! We think 2019 will be even more special!”

Watch our video to hear more from Lauren and Team Sunshine co-manager Rebecca Jama.

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