Fundraising porter edges closer to target

A Newcastle-based NHS worker is powering ahead with his mission to raise £1 million for charities, with his latest efforts focused on supporting local mental health services.

Stephen Dixon, a porter with Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, has chosen the Trust’s SHINE Fund as his charity of choice for the first half of 2025. 

Through cake sales, raffles and charity walks, he has already raised over £1000, with fundraising continuing until the end of May.

Stephen, who works at the Campus for Ageing and Vitality, has raised more than £412,000 since his first fundraiser at age 13, supporting over 60 charities including Cancer Research, Macmillan, Marie Curie, the Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation. 

He said: “I love fundraising and I would class it as a hobby of mine. 

“When I was 13, my grandad died from cancer and I raised over £300 for the local hospice.”

“I am blessed with my own health and great friends and family and work friends, so I like to help others who might not have that.

“I remember at school the teacher asked what my life goal was, and I said I wanted to help others and raise £1 million for charity. 

“I’m not sure if I’ll make the £1 million but I know that I’ve helped and will continue to do so.”

SHINE helps enhance the experience of patients across CNTW’s hospital and community services by funding thoughtful extras that make a meaningful difference.

Since 2014, it has backed hundreds of initiatives, from exercise equipment and gardening tools to yoga sessions and pet therapy.

Stephen added: “I’d donated money to Trust wards before but wasn’t fully aware of SHINE and the work it does until last year.

“I really like what SHINE stands for, so I decided to fundraise for them.”

Stephen’s next campaigns will support Marie Curie Hospice and the People’s Kitchen.

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