Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure has announced The Sunshine Fund as its new charity partner, beginning a new collaboration to support disabled children, young people and their families across the Northeast.
The Sunshine Fund provides specialist and adapted equipment for children and young people aged 0–19 living with disabilities, special educational needs and complex medical conditions. This includes equipment such as specialist buggies, beds, hoists, powered wheelchairs and communication aids which may not be available through statutory services.
The two-year partnership will see Manor Walks work alongside the charity to raise vital funds and awareness in the lead-up to The Sunshine Fund’s centenary year, while helping more families across Cramlington and Northumberland find out about the support available to them.
The Sunshine Fund was selected following Manor Walks’ search for its next charity partner, with its focus on supporting local families and removing barriers to independence and participation closely aligning with the centre’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion and the local community.
In 2025, The Sunshine Fund spent more than £110,000 on specialist equipment, directly benefiting 289 children. The charity also delivered 22 free inclusive events and sessions, helping families enjoy experiences designed around accessibility and whole-family participation.
Nick Lambert, Centre Manager at Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome The Sunshine Fund as our new charity partner. The work they do has a very real impact on children and families across the North East, including here in Northumberland.
“We want this to be a hands-on partnership that goes beyond fundraising. Manor Walks gives us a fantastic platform to help raise awareness of the support available, bring families together and create opportunities for our customers, retailers and team to get involved throughout the year.”
David Wilson, Head of Charity at The Sunshine Fund, said:
“We’re privileged to be chosen as Manor Walks’ charity partner and look forward to working together over the next two years to raise awareness and much needed funds for our work. Like us, Manor Walks is a central part of the local community, and this partnership will undoubtedly transform many lives across our region”
Further details of upcoming fundraising activity and ways for the Manor Walks community to get involved will be announced throughout the partnership.