Red Nose Day: Penshaw to be lit up for Comic Relief as fundraisers take on walk

As Britain goes Red Nose crazy, Sunderland is joining in the fun with a massed ‘glow in the dark’ walk planned for tonight.

One hundred people from Sunderland Youth Projects are all set to walk more than five miles from Farringdon Youth and Community Centre to Penshaw Monument, with hot dogs and hot chocolate beforehand to set them on their way.

And just to add to the excitement of it all, the monument is being lit up in red for Red Nose Day.

Joanne Laverick, event organiser and Project Manager at the Youth Almighty Project, said: “We’re delighted to have so many young people, youth workers and volunteers taking part in our fundraiser for Comic Relief this Red Nose Day.

“We expect over 100 people at the walk and have never fundraised on this scale before so we can’t wait to see everyone getting involved.

“The fact Penshaw Monument will be turning red is a great bonus and we’d like to say thank you to everyone involved – we’re hoping the weather is kind to us!”

A variety of youth organisations including Blue Watch Youth Centre and Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project are getting involved. The walkers are setting off at around 9.45pm and aim to arrive at the top of Penshaw Monument at midnight.

It’s the second time in a matter of days that Penshaw Monument glowed red in the dark.

It was one of a number of Wearside buildings which were lit up this month to celebrate the efforts of the Red Sky Ball and White Party charity which smashed through the £300,000 mark of money raised to provide the NHS with life-saving health equipment.

Now, Wearside fundraisers are at it again.

A spokesman for Comic Relief said: “Comic Relief is relying on the generous support of the people of the North East and Cumbria, who raised and donated more than £837,000 for the last Red Nose Day in 2017.

“Whether it’s dancing, baking, telling jokes or wearing Red Noses, the people of the North East and Cumbria will come together with millions of others across the country as they raise vital cash to help lives.

“Since last Red Nose Day money raised has funded 40 projects and organisations right here in the North East.”

Elsewhere, the Greenhills Centre in Wheatley Hill was hosting a Red Nose afternoon tea today with an hour of entertainment provided by singer Siobhan McCavanagh.

The event was free but with the option for people to donate to Comic Relief.

To find out more about this year’s Comic Relief, visit https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday.