The Children's Cancer run is a 5 mile family fun run, which grown to become one of the UK's biggest single charity fun runs.
The Fun Run
Widows Sons Northumberland chapter for many years has supported the Greggs Children’s cancer run, this event celebrated its 40th year with a glorious sunny day, and thousands of children in attendance to complete the sponsored run raising over 8 million pounds for cancer research since the run started. The Widows Sons Northumberland chapter for many years have been keen supporters of the event .
Members of the Widows Sons form the official start line for the first race with motorbikes lined up, with the eager young runners warmed up and ready to run behind, once the starting pistol is fired the bikes roar off, with the children in hot pursuit.
Widows Sons members then provide a display of motorbikes for the children (and eager Dads) to sit on and get photos taken. Another great example of Freemasonry in our community.
The History
Children’s Cancer Run came from very small beginnings over 40 years ago. It started through Kings School in Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear in order to raise money for the North of England Children’s Cancer Research fund, as at the time, one of their pupils was suffering from Cancer of the kidney.
This initial idea blossomed, slowly at first… the first run only had a couple of hundred people from Kings School.
A volunteer committee was set up to manage the organisation of the run, and today, many of the original members are still volunteering their services. Particularly satisfying and completing a ‘circle’ is the fact that Chris Peacock, the pupil at Kings school who had Cancer of the kidney and who inspired pupils and staff to raise money in the first ‘sponsored’ run is now also chair of the committee.
The Widows Sons
The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers held their AGM recently celebrating another very successful year, with membership numbers now over 1500 spread across 40 chapters, and £144,000 raised and donated to charities across England and Wales, which is a fantastic achievement. The Widows Sons also has an associate scheme which allows wives partners and children to participate in their many charitable events, and introduce potential new members to Freemasonry, as a consequence over 100 candidates a year are introduced into Freemasonry.
All over the country Widows Sons members support good causes, charities and fund raising events, by attendance at fayres and parades, assisting charities in fund raising ventures, and through their own group events. Find out more on their website.
