Children and staff from Red Plains Children’s Home in Hartburn, Stockton-on-Tees, have raised almost £1,000 in aid of the Children’s Heart Unit based at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

Young people from Red Plains organised a string of fundraising events to reach the sum, and were helped along the way with match-funding from the CareTech Foundation.

The kids wanted to support the Children’s Heart Unit as some staff from the children’s home have family members who are being treated by the unit. The Heart Unit makes life better for children and young people who are born with or develop heart conditions, by providing lifelong support to them and their families.

Events included a charity football match, with the teams made up of staff and young people from three local children’s homes, Red Plains, the Old Vicarage and Fairview.

But with the youngsters just a few hundred pounds shy of their target, there are more events planned including participating in the World Record Breaking Fire Walk in Newcastle.

Jonathan Freeman, Chief Executive of the CareTech Foundation said:

The way the young people at Red Plains have worked together to help other children is so uplifting. We were only too pleased to support them in their fantastic efforts for this truly life-changing cause. I wish them every success in reaching their final target.

The public can donate online: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Michelleowens4&pageUrl=1

Picture: Red Plains