A Gateshead personal trainer has completed a gruelling fundraising feat, taking more than 45,000 steps over a 12-hour session on a StairClimber to raise money for two local charities.
Testing physical limits to support children
The challenge was undertaken by Julian Stark, a personal trainer at Gateshead PureGym, who described the effort as one of the toughest he has attempted while aiming to support The Sunshine Fund and Love Amelia Baby Bank. Spectators were on hand as he finished the event, which organisers likened to the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest.
Stark began the attempt in the early hours and continued for the planned 12 hours, noting the difficulty as the event progressed. With about two hours remaining he reflected on the toll the activity had taken on him while reiterating his motivation: to push his own boundaries and to raise funds for charities working with children in the North East.
"I did this as I wanted to make sure that I could do something like this, to test my body, test the boundaries, and support these great charities," Stark said.
Why the money matters locally
The Sunshine Fund, which helps provide equipment for disabled children across the North East, said donations remain vital to its work. David Wilson, the charity's head of fundraising, highlighted the pressure on resources and praised Stark's dedication.
"He's been doing this since 6am, and will do a total of over 45,000 steps, so it has been a tough day... The money is urgently needed for the work that we're doing to provide equipment to disabled children across the North East," Wilson said.
Both charities work directly with families in the region. The fundraiser therefore carries immediate local significance: funds raised will be channelled into equipment and support for children with disabilities, and into a baby bank that helps families in need.
Event details and local support
The session took place at Gateshead PureGym, where Stark is employed. Observers and supporters gathered as he completed the final steps. The challenge drew attention on social media and local networks, with organisers encouraging donations via an online fundraising page.
- Duration: 12 hours
- Steps completed: more than 45,000
- Start time: 6am (as reported by the charity)
- Beneficiaries: The Sunshine Fund and Love Amelia Baby Bank
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Total steps | 45,000+ |
| Duration | 12 hours |
| Charities | The Sunshine Fund; Love Amelia Baby Bank |
Representatives from The Sunshine Fund emphasised the urgency of continued giving, citing increased demand for essential items and therapeutic equipment. The charity said funds raised are used to supply vital equipment that can make a significant difference to disabled children and their families across the North East.
Community impact and next steps
Local fundraisers such as this often have a dual purpose: they draw community attention to the needs of vulnerable families while providing tangible support. In this instance, the combination of a physical challenge and local workplace backing helped amplify the appeal for donations.
Those wishing to contribute were directed to Stark's online fundraising page and the charities' websites for more information about how the money will be used. The event underlined how small, locally organised acts can translate into real help for families in Gateshead and the wider North East.
The completion of the StairClimber challenge provides a visible boost for the two organisations at a time when they say demand is very high. The initiative also highlighted the role that individuals and local businesses can play in supporting community needs.
