North East Regional Council

Council Members

• Lynn Cooper (Chair)
• Archie Jenkins
• Kevin Johnson
• Harry Matthews
• Cian Rynne
• Jill Bridges
• Ian Butler

Co-optees

• Andrea Banner
• Chris Parr
• Calum Johnson
• Michael McNally
• Tom Hanson
• Andrea Fyall

You can get in touch via lynn.cooper@ntlworld.com

Lynn Cooper

Lynn has been coaching endurance athletes since retiring from competitive running in 2001. A latecomer to running, Lynn won several local cross-country titles and represented Scotland in the Marathon at two Commonwealth Games and Great Britain in the World Marathon Cup and European 100km Championships.

Lynn retired as CEO of a professional body in 2022 to spend more time coaching and joined the Executive Committee of Houghton Harriers as Coaching Co-ordinator. Lynn is in touch with athletes across the North East where she has been Inter-Counties Women’s Team Manager and a selector since 2015. She is keen to deploy the coaching and performance pathways offered by England Athletics to bring the North East to the fore of UK Athletics.

Archie Jenkins

• World Masters Athletics Non Stadia Race Director
• Member of Morpeth H & AC
• Great Britain & NI Masters Team Manager
• UKA Endurance Officials Course Tutor
• UKA Level 4 Official Endurance
• UKA Level 4 Official Track Judge
• UKA Official – timekeeper (L1), field assistant starter (L2), race walk judge (L1), endurance timekeeper (L1)
• England Athletics Road Race Adjudicator
• North East Counties Athletics Association Cross Country Secretary
• North East Counties Athletics Association Endurance Officials Secretary
• England Athletics NE Regional Councillor
• England Athletics NE Cross Country Licence Co-ordinator
• North East Harrier Cross Country League Chairman
• North East Masters Athletics Association Secretary
• British Masters Athletics Federation Council
• BMAF/NECAA Event Organiser – road and cross country
• UKA Coach middle/long distance
• England Athletics Blind Runner Guide

Kevin Johnson

Kevin has been immersed in athletics since joining Elswick Harriers in 1969. He progressed through county and regional representation to international level, representing England and GB in the marathon in 1983 and 1984.

His professional career began as a PE teacher, then a Recreation Manager with South Tyneside Council, during which time he developed Monkton Stadium. Later he enjoyed senior roles with Alan Pascoe’s sports marketing agency, working on British Athletics, in London and then ISL Marketing, in Switzerland, working on World Athletics. In 2001 his professional life took him to Scotland, as Chief Executive of a new visitor destination, Loch Lomond Shores. He joined the local club, Helensburgh AAC, serving as President from 2009-2013, as well as creating and chairing the Babcock 10k Series.

In 2018 Kevin qualified as an Athletics Coach. On returning to his native North East in 2021 he joined Gateshead Harriers.

Harry Matthews

Harry has been passionate about the sport of athletics and running ever since he joined his club, Elswick Harriers in 1959, aged 12. A past President, Hon. Life Member, and current Chairman and Acting Secretary of his club. His involvement also includes Chairman of England Masters Athletics Association, Executive member of the British Masters Athletics Federation and Hon. Life Member of North East Masters Athletics Association.

Harry is well known among the North East athletics club community. He is still an active competitor, Run Britain Adjudicator and qualified Run Leader. He has gained a number of medals in regional, national and international Masters Championships.

Cian Rynne

Cian has been involved in athletics for 15 years. However, he has only recently stepped into coaching, officiating and administration for their athletics club. He coaches Durham Universities’ cross country and distance running squads and a group of Durham City Harriers from middle distance up to the marathon. He also works hard to improve access to facilities and coaching support for junior athletes and seniors. He hopes to support athletics across the North East of England.

Ian Butler

I have been a member of Durham Elvet Striders since 2014, competing across races of all distances and disciplines from 5K to Marathons.

In 2018 I had the opportunity to support the club in a voluntary capacity in administration and leadership roles. I have since held various posts including Chair, Membership Secretary and Training Coordinator and so have a good understanding about how clubs operate and the role England Athletics plays in supporting our passion for running. I am a great supporter of grass roots participation in running, trying to ensure that all club members are able to fully benefit from their club experience

Jill Bridges

Jill Bridges is a passionate advocate for inclusive and accessible running. A qualified Coach in Running Fitness, she founded East Durham Running Club in 2022 to create a welcoming and contemporary club that supports runners of all abilities. Under her leadership, the club operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), helping to remove financial barriers and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the sport.

Jill’s dedication and innovative approach have led to significant recognition. East Durham Running Club was named England Athletics NE Club of the Year in 2024 and was Runner-Up for NE Project of the Year in 2023. The club also received a Certificate of Recognition for Contribution to Health and Wellbeing in the East Durham Region in 2024. Personally, Jill’s efforts were acknowledged when she won Volunteer of the Year at the North East Volunteer Awards in 2024.

Jill’s journey into running began over a decade ago while training for a charity boxing match. Though she left boxing behind, running became a lifelong passion. She thrives on helping others succeed, building confidence in runners, and fostering a strong community spirit. Dedicated to grassroots development, Jill also established the club’s junior section under the England Athletics funetics programme, ensuring young athletes have access to structured and enjoyable training.

Alongside her coaching commitments, Jill is a trainee social worker, undertaking a degree apprenticeship, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting people in all aspects of life. She continues to challenge herself in ultramarathons, obstacle course races, and regular strength training, embodying the resilience and dedication she instills in her athletes. Jill is supported in her work by her husband, Adam, a fellow coach and the backbone of East Durham Running Club. Together, they are making a lasting impact on their local running community.