From raising £1.8m for earthquake victims to unearthing unsung health heroes, Sun readers’ kindness shone bright in 2023
MANY of us have faced hardships this past year due to the cost-of- living crisis, natural disasters and wars across the world.
But that hasn’t stopped YOU, our kind-hearted readers, from being amazingly generous and helping others over the past 12 months through The Sun’s many campaigns.
To pay tribute to your remarkable efforts, we look back at the vital appeals you supported in 2023.
Footie For All Fund
We launched our campaign to keep kids playing the beautiful game this summer as households struggled with the cost-of-living crisis.
A poll by sports charity Sported found that 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were concerned about the impact of soaring prices on their membership.
The Sun partnered with Tesco to give £1,000 to 150 incredible grassroots clubs across the UK to spend on keeping kids kicking.
The funds were used for new kits, pitch-hire costs, setting up teams and more.
England and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen said: “Without grassroots, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“We can’t let kids see that dream die simply because Mum or Dad can’t afford to pay for the subs, kit and travel.
“Football is for everyone — it’s massively important it stays that way.”
Earthquake Appeal
In response to the horrifying natural disaster in Syria and Turkey in February, you dug deep to help the families affected and raised £1.8million.
More than 50,000 people died in the quake and at least 107,204 were injured across the two countries.
The funds raised were used to provide survivors with blankets, food, shelter and other essentials.
After hearing about Jess Jordan, six, who donated £50 to our appeal with the Red Cross, the Princess of Wales said: “Thanks for all your efforts, they will go a long way. If everyone all together does a little bit it makes a difference.”
On top of your generosity, celebrities donated £95,000 and businesses including Camelot and M&S also chipped in.
Who Cares Wins
Readers nominated and celebrated the dedication of Britain’s front-line heath heroes once again.
Our Who Cares Wins awards in November rewarded workers and volunteers across the spectrum, from nurse Max Oosman to 999 heroes Dr Benjamin Marriage and paramedics Chris Doyle and Kevin Cuddon, who saved the life of Sarah de Lagarde after she fell under a Tube train.
The star-studded ceremony was hosted by Davina McCall and screened on Channel 4, with guests including boxer Anthony Joshua, comic Katherine Ryan and actress Emily Atack.
David Beckham surprised Brentford Penguins, a West London football team for children with Down syndrome, with a training session to present coach Allan Cockram with the Unsung Hero award.
Baby, Bank On Us
This was launched in May by The Sun on Sunday’s Fabulous magazine in partnership with children’s charities Save The Children and Little Village, plus more than 200 baby banks nationwide.
Baby banks are not financed by the Government but by donations and are run by committed volunteers, so are in need of constant help.
They provide essential baby items to young families in need of support.
An exclusive campaign poll found that 15 per cent of mums rely on the banks for essentials.
We asked you to give time, money and children’s clothes to local baby banks, and as a result of the appeal — backed by the Princess of Wales — we raised £85,000 and more than 12,500 products, from brands such as Pampers, Bramley and The Cheeky Panda, have been donated.
Singer Leona Lewis, former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza, ex-EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton and TV personality Ashley James visited their local baby banks for our appeal.
There has been a 200 per cent rise in searches for baby banks since our campaign was launched.
Cosy At Christmas
Building on the success of Baby, Bank On Us, The Sun’s Christmas appeal aimed to keep kids warm this winter.
Working again with charity partners Save The Children, Little Village and the UK’s 200 baby banks, our drive asked you to donate money or new and good-quality pre-loved warm children’s clothing to your local baby bank.
Sainsbury’s donated £20,000 of pyjamas and star mums including TV’s Chloe Madeley, Helen Flanagan, Charlene White, Charlotte Hawkins and Christine Lampard backed our appeal.
The fundraising total has hit £99,000, thanks to generous donations from firms including Lidl, Aviva, Next and pharmaceutical company GSK.
Ikea donated 250 Antilop highchairs worth more than £4,000 and Amazon contributed 5,000 hygiene kits, with essentials such as shampoo and a toothbrush.
The Big Step
The Sun and NHS Charities Together launched The Big Step to get us fitter by walking 5,000 or 10,000 steps each day.
Celebrities including TV’s Dr Ranj Singh, and Strictly’s Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova backed the get- healthy initiative, which also raised funds.
You readers got your steps in by jogging or dancing as well as walking during April and May.
Every stepper received a pair of red shoelaces for their first donation.
Those who raised more than £35 got a medal.
Those incredible fundraisers who hit £100 in donations were given a Big Step T-shirt.
TV’s Gaby Roslin was out on a walk when she spoke to us and said: “In taking part you’re helping others and you’re helping yourself.
“Walking is good for your heart, your body, your soul, your head and the planet.”