TWO North-East charities are celebrating a pioneering new partnership by co-hosting a family fun day.

Butterwick Hospice and the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust have agreed a stronger partnership after working together for nearly a year.

The fun day, with proceeds split between the two charities, takes place at Bishop Barrington School on Sunday, June 9, from 11am. Entry costs £5 per child, which entitles them to free games, fairground rides, a raffle ticket, face-painting, and more.

The Solan Cancer Trust was set up in 2014 by Spennymoor man Mark Solan to help “cancer warriors” - the Trust’s preferred term for anyone with a cancer diagnosis, and their family and friends - by providing emotional, practical, physical, and financial support.

Milly Toner, Butterwick Hospice fundraiser, said: “Working with the Solan Cancer Trust and Mark has been exhilarating. He’s someone who’s so full of passion for helping others, he makes everyone around him want to share that goal.

“We’re very excited to see how this partnership develops, and we’re confident it will enhance what both our charities do.”

The Trust holds support groups at the hospice’s base in Bishop Auckland, and helps hospice patients to apply for the Trust’s grants scheme.

Mark, who has just become a new father, said: “It’s been such a pleasure to work with Milly and Butterwick Hospice to help more people than we ever have before. We’re all just human, but we’re all trying to do our best and it feels like we’re making a difference.

“Butterwick is an institution which has made the North-East a better place for 30 years, and I’m delighted we’re going to continue supporting each other’s work.”

For more information about the fun day, contact Butterwick Hospice on 01388 603 003, or the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust on 07584 705 673.