A huge well done to Rich, Jen and Richard Who ran the Leeds Marathon and Sarah who ran the Half Marathon for us yesterday, in very hot conditions!
Rich Andrews is dad to Sunshine & Smiler, Luke.
Rich says, “They are an amazing group who provide services such as speech and language, sports activities, work placements and general help, support and guidance. They even have a café where young people work that we will be running past - 21 Co. in Headingley.
Services are provided free of charge, and this is able to be done through fundraising such as this. Any donations would really benefit lots of families in Leeds.”
Also running the Marathon were Jen and Richard.
Richard and Jen’s ukulele groups have played at fundraising events for Sunshine & Smiles over the years, and a number of their friends will be playing and singing for the runners and spectators outside Woolpack Studios in Otley between 11am-1pm on the marathon day.
We’d like to wish Rich, Jen and Richard lots of luck - and thank you so much for choosing to support Sunshine & Smiles. We really do appreciate it!
Running the half Marathon for us was Sarah McWilliam.
She says "This amazing charity provides invaluable services to children with Down syndrome and their families in Leeds, including fun activities like football, dance, and music. By fundraising for them, I hope to help improve opportunities for our kids and raise awareness in the community."
More news articles
Francis and 21 Co. featured in student press
6th Jul 2026
We are featured in an article in The Gryphon, a student-run newspaper at the University of Leeds.
Read more...6th Jul 2026
A huge thank you to Viera who recently stepped far outside her comfort zone and took on an ice bath challenge for Sunshine and Smiles.
Read more...6th Jul 2026
Shabang Inclusive Learning has a social club coming up this week especially for teenagers and young adults with additional needs.
Read more...