Major Boost for Local Communities as the Jane Tomlinson Appeal Reveals Charities Chosen in Its ‘Big Charity Giveaway’

At its heart, the initiative is about giving back to charities working on the frontline of their communities – providing vital funding to help them continue, grow and strengthen the support they offer to those who need it most. 

Launched on 8 January, the programme invited charities and community organisations to apply for grants of up to £15,000 to enhance their work and expand essential services. From the outset, the aim was clear: to invest in charities delivering real, tangible support to people facing some of life’s toughest challenges. 

The response highlighted just how important this funding is. More than 300 organisations applied, collectively requesting over £3 million – a powerful reflection of both the incredible work charities are doing and the growing demand for their services.  

In recognition of this need, the Appeal increased the funding pot by more than 10% - from £250,000 to £297,000 – ensuring even more charities receive the investment they need to support their communities. 

After carefully reviewing each application, The Appeal’s Trustees are delighted to announce the 26 charities receiving funding through the 2026 ‘Big Charity Giveaway’ are: Aireborough Supported Activities Scheme, Autistic Children and Carers Together, Bereaved children support York, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Erb’s Palsy Group, Flourishing Families, Friends on Alfreton Park Community Special School, Heeley City Farm, Hull Churches Home from Hospital, Hull women’s aid, Kidzklub Leeds, Liverpool Sunflowers – Cancer Care Self Help Group, Menphys, Oakleaf, OSCARS, PACES, Pelican Park Community Trust, Positive Futures, The Hive, The Island, The Sam White Legacy, The Send a Child to Hucklow fund CIO, Umbrella Derbyshire, Zarach and Daisy Inclusive UK.  

This investment will support a wide range of vital causes, from helping bereaved children rebuild their lives, to supporting young people with disabilities and additional needs, to assisting families coping with cancer and long-term health conditions, to tackling poverty and improving opportunities for disadvantaged communities.  

Every grant awarded will fund a specific project, ensuring that this investment translates into real, practical support on the ground. It will help charities reach more people, expand their services, and strengthen the lifelines so many individuals and families rely on. 

The initiative continues the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE, whose determination and generosity transformed countless lives. Today, that same spirit underpins the Appeal’s commitment to investing in charities and supporting communities facing increasing challenges. 

This work is only made possible by the thousands of runners who take part in Run For All events each year – whether chasing a PB, taking on a personal challenge, or enjoying their local community, every participant helps sustain vital fundraising and support for charities. 

Mike Tomlinson, Jane’s Husband and Trustee of The Jane Tomlinson Appeal commented:  

“This investment is about backing charities making a real difference in communities every day. We see first-hand how vital their work is, and we’re proud to support them to reach more people and deliver help where it’s needed most. 

The response to the Big Charity Giveaway was truly overwhelming, with more than 300 organisations applying. That level of demand speaks volumes about both the strength of the sector and the growing challenges many communities are facing. It’s why we took the decision to increase the fund from £250,000 to £297,000 – so we could extend our support even further. 

Every organisation that applied should be proud of the work they do, and while we can’t support everyone this time, we remain committed to helping as many charities as possible. 

None of this would be achievable without the thousands of runners who take part in Run For All events each year. Their efforts enable us to give back, and we’re hugely grateful for the role they play in supporting communities across the region.”