Press Releases

The team at The Runhead in Ryton, Tyne Valley, will take on a 24-hour bikeathon beginning at 2pm on Wednesday, February 18, with the goal of raising at least £1,000 for Children’s Cancer North.

Mark Johnson, business manager at The Runhead and a member of the cycling team, said: “A couple of us are keen cyclists, but even so, it is quite a challenge to cycle for 24 hours non-stop.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Inline Fitness Centre, at Blaydon, which has lent us the bikes free of charge.

“Now, we just need to give it our best shot and hopefully raise as much as possible for a really good cause.”

The fundraiser will see staff take turns cycling continuously on two static spin bikes in the bar for a full 24 hours, ending at 2pm on Thursday, February 19

At Eastside Gardens Lifestyle Care Home, a remarkable Tyneside RAF hero has celebrated her 103rd birthday. Molly Gillon, of Howdon, joined the Royal Air Force as a radar operator at just 18, following the tragic loss of her brother Tom, who was killed in action as an airman. Over the years, Molly played a crucial role in helping British planes return safely during the Second World War – a job she recalls as both vital and, at times, heartbreaking.

This year, Molly marked her milestone birthday surrounded by serving and retired RAF personnel, sharing memories of her extraordinary wartime service.

Malhotra Group plc has named Children’s Cancer North, a Newcastle charity supporting young cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria, as its charity partner.

The company will raise funds through activities across its hotels, bars, and restaurants throughout 2026.

Atul Malhotra, operations director at Malhotra Group, said: “As a parent myself I can’t imagine how it must feel when a child gets a cancer diagnosis.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.

“But Children’s Cancer North is there to help – with financial and practical support and by actually investing in state-of-the-art research into kinder treatments – and they must be an absolute lifeline to parents in their darkest hours.