Staff join race to save historic hall
Sep 18 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
NATIONAL Trust staff in the North East have explained why they have joined the race against time to save Seaton Delaval Hall.
They have all decided to take part in the Great North Run to raise funds to help the trust acquire the 18th Century Northumberland mansion.
The trust has agreed to put forward £6.9m of the charity’s money, but need to raise a further £6.3m externally before Christmas.
As well as raising funds for Seaton Delaval Hall, each runner will also donate money for a personal charity close to their hearts.
Nick Dolan, property manager for Souter lighthouse and The Leas, South Tyneside, will be running.
He said: “I am 48, balding and overweight, and haven’t run or jogged anywhere for any reason for over 10 years – in fact, I have actively avoided such activity.
“Since committing to the 2008 run, I have jogged alongside surprised sheep and hares in the early morning. I am hopelessly slow, but it will all be worth it, for the charities but also for personal achievement.
“I am also raising money for another small children’s charity, POD.”
Anna Hollingworth, membership promotion manager, is also in training.
She said: “I’m 29 and trying to delay being 30. I started to get into running last year.
“I’m very excited to be raising money for Seaton Delaval Hall as it’s such a wonderful place. The local community has shown their love for it and I really wanted to do my bit to help the campaign by raising funds.”
Nev Kirby, regional building manager, and Glynis Carr, administrator, will also be running.
He said: “As a Geordie born and bred, I fully appreciate the importance of our North East culture and heritage and I am pleased to be able to do my little bit.
“I am coming out of running retirement, having done six of the first seven Great North Runs, and not run since, to support the National Trust’s campaign to raise funds in a bid to secure Seaton Delaval Hall for the public of the North East.
“I am also raising funds for another charity. My dad died of cancer in April. He was a great supporter of Bobby Robson’s Cancer Foundation which was set up just before he died. He asked me to make a donation as one of his last wishes, which I did, and it gives me great pleasure to be raising additional funds for this worthwhile charity in memory of my dad.”
Glynis said: “I have done the Great North Run once before about 20 years ago and I didn’t do enough training. I was exhausted by the end, although I did do it in under three hours. Somehow, I doubt I will manage that this time, although my aim is to do so.
“I am also running to help raise funds for Rochester Village Hall.”
Derrick Hodgson, direct labour co-ordinator, is another who will be taking part. He said: “I am resisting the draw of the local pub and have taken to pounding along the country roads. My fan club is very supportive – cattle, sheep and one very inquisitive donkey.”
As a Geordie born and bred, I fully appreciate the importance of our North East culture and heritage
