The charity rely's on the goodwill and hard work of volunteers to fundraise for our various funds. We are very grateful for all of their hard work and commitment.  

This page is dedicated to those who go out of their way to help us. Unfortunately we can’t list everyone, so below are the stories of just a few of our incredible fundraisers.


Meet Deano Franciosy the "Wheelie Bin Man"

Deano has been fundraising for our Integrated Critical Care Unit (ICCU) for over a decade, he has a strong personal connection with the unit which cared for his mother.

“My memories are there and my heart is with the ICCU unit at Sunderland Royal where the staff were unbelievable with my mam.”

He has carried out bag packs, ran up and down hills with weights on his back and now he runs with a wheelie bin strapped to his back! He takes part in park runs, 5K’s, 10K’s and half marathons, he recently ran a 5k in Newcastle in under 30 minutes with a full size wheelie bin on his back!

He recently turned 50 but has no intention of slowing down, he is celebrating by running the Great North Run with the bin on his back.

The ICCU and the charities are very grateful for all Deano’s hard work over the years, the funds he has raised have helped the unit acquire new specialist equipment and training aids, along with helping to improve the patient spaces.