Fundraising

Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening at this year’s Sunflowers Annual Ball, held at the Forest Pines Hotel in Scunthorpe. The event was attended by Sunflowers’ wonderful patrons, Chris Kamara, Nick Miles, Nicola Wheeler, Bhasker Patel, and Chris Chittell, who joined supporters for a night filled with laughter, dancing, and generosity.

A highlight of the evening was the launch of the Celebrity Bear Challenge, an exciting new fundraising initiative. Twelve cuddly bears found new homes with guests, each pledged to raise a minimum of £250 before next year’s Ball.

The first bear to begin its adventure, Bob Bear, was claimed by Richard Stansfield and has already embarked on a journey around the world, raising both funds and awareness for Sunflowers Children’s Action Group along the way.

It was a truly memorable night celebrating friendship, compassion, and community spirit, all in support of children and families who need it most.

Sunflower Children’s Action Group are absolutely delighted to announce that we've received £12,500 from North East Lincolnshire Council, thanks to a rather unique initiative.

As a small, volunteer-run, local charity, we were formed in 2019 with a clear mission: to create special, inclusive events and activities for children who suffer with life-limiting and/or life-threatening conditions.

Now, thanks to this large donation by the Council, we can help make even more young people’s dreams come true. Our Chair of Trustees, Joanne Wright, said, “It’s a massive donation and as a charity we rely solely on the generosity of people.

“At the moment, we are fundraising to take around 30 families to Calvert Lake which will help empower those living with these sorts of conditions. They will have the opportunity to go rock climbing, kayaking and much more.

“We’re also hoping it will give the families a way of socialising with one another and make sure they have someone to talk to. This donation will go a long way to making all that happen.”

The money was raised through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which has been in operation since 2014.

The scheme works by collecting recyclable metals – things like parts of the coffin and replacement implants or joints - that can be salvaged following a cremation.

The proceeds from selling these metals then go into a charity fund, which is donated twice a year. Through this scheme, Bereavement Services have donated more than £150,000 to local charities, and over £22 million nationally.

Councillor Henry Hudson, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by our Bereavement Services Team and I’m so glad we could help a local charity.

To have donated over £150,000 in a decade is something to be proud of and we will endeavour to continue with it, helping as many people in the borough as possible.”

We are just so thankful for this support. It means the world to us and, more importantly, to the children and families we strive to help.

Sunflowers Children’s Action Group is calling on local heroes to lace up their walking boots and take part in our Sponsored Walk along the Cleethorpes seafront on Saturday, 7 September – a fun, family-friendly event that supports a vital cause.

Every step you take helps bring joy, support, and unforgettable experiences to children with life-limiting or life- threatening conditions in our local community. Sunflowers is a volunteer-run charity that creates magical events, special outings, and tailored support for these incredible young people and their families – giving them moments of happiness during the toughest times.

Whether you’re walking in memory, in support, or just for a great cause, your involvement makes a real difference.

The route is accessible to all ages and abilities, and fancy dress, teams, or solo walkers are all welcome! Join us on 7 September to turn miles into smiles.

Sign up today and help us continue to bring sunshine into the lives of children who need it most.

We are incredibly proud of Rio, age 13, who recently won an award at the local SEND Awards for swimming and football.

His mum, Nicola, shared how overwhelmed with pride she felt, seeing her son’s strength and spirit recognised in such a meaningful way.

Rio’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when children are given the support, love, and opportunity to shine.