Deborah Stoker, an Employment Specialist at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), helped raise £422 for the SHINE fund through events at her local gym. 

The SHINE fund is the general fund for CNTW Charity. The charity aims to improve the wellbeing of patients and carers across the Trust’s mental health, learning disability and neurological care services.  

Deborah has supported a number of community fundraisers but noticed there was a gap in support for mental health.  

When the opportunity arose for members to nominate a charity to be Newcastle Trampoline Park and Gym’s charity of the year, Deborah nominated SHINE.  

She said: “I quickly seized the opportunity to mention SHINE and how it would be a welcome change to highlight a mental health charity as the effects of mental health can be as equally debilitating as physical health challenges.” 

The gym managers agreed and named SHINE as their chosen charity of the year.  

Using Better Health’s ‘Get Active’ campaign which encourages people to exercise more, the gym organised a spinathon.  

As well as the spinathon, there were a number of raffles throughout the year.  

On fundraising, Deborah said: “The camaraderie, sense of achievement and passion were phenomenal! Everyone is passionate about their NHS and the provision of services. 

“I love making a difference to people’s lives in a positive way. It gives a sense of community, togetherness and feeling useful and supportive.” 

Deborah has since moved house and goes to a different gym but she hopes to help organise a larger event in the future, bringing together a number of local gyms to support SHINE.  

Sharon Brennan, Charity Communications and Marketing Manager, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Deborah and everyone at Newcastle Trampoline Park and Gym for choosing to support SHINE. Their enthusiasm, generosity and commitment will make a real difference to the people who use our services, helping us go further in improving wellbeing for patients and carers across our Trust.” 

If you would like to organise your own fundraiser for SHINE, take a look at the charity’s fundraising guide to get started.