Charity run raises funds for baby boxes

A County Durham technology firm has helped fund vital support for new parents after raising thousands of pounds through a regional running event.

Murtek, an IT and communications specialist, has donated more than £8500 to North East charity The Children’s Foundation following its team’s participation in the Newcastle 10K. 

The charity was the official beneficiary of the 2026 event, with Murtek serving as headline partner.

The charity says the funds will enable the delivery of Baby Boxes to first-time parents in Teesside, with the first families now set to receive support as a direct result of the fundraising drive. 

Distributed in partnership with Think Family Tees Valley Group, the boxes are aimed at families facing financial pressure and reduced access to early years services.

Sean Soulsby, chief executive of The Children’s Foundation, said: “Every Baby Box is about giving a baby in the North East the best possible start in life, while offering parents reassurance at what can be an overwhelming time. 

“Murtek’s fundraising and sponsorship support for the Newcastle 10K will help us reach more families with the developmental resources and essential items they need during those first 1001 critical days.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see a North East business like Murtek not only take on fundraising challenge like this, but also to support the event as charity sponsor. 

“This is yet another example of a North East business stepping up to support families in our region with the fundamentals for the best start in life. 

“It really shows what’s possible when local organisations step forward in practical ways to support families and tackle early inequality and we’re hugely grateful to everyone at Murtek and to all those who donated and cheered them on.”

Each Baby Box includes essential baby items, toys, early learning materials and expert guidance designed to support healthy development from birth.

Murtek’s contribution forms part of its wider commitment to backing early-years provision and family wellbeing across the North East.

Stuart Murray, managing director of Murtek, added: “As a North East business, we believe in using our skills, our people and our platforms to make a positive difference where we live and work. 

“Supporting The Children’s Foundation through the Newcastle 10K, and helping fund Baby Boxes for families in Teesside, is about making a real, practical impact at a time when support is most needed.

“At Murtek, our work is about helping organisations become better, more productive and safer places. Being part of an initiative that helps give babies the best possible start in life, and supports parents in those critical early days, felt like a natural extension of those values.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →