Regional Volunteer Awards: North East
Our series of 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards ceremonies continued last weekend with three more regions including the North East, celebrating the outstanding contributions from volunteers.
A huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - let's meet them!
Club of the Year
Winner: East Durham Running Club
East Durham Running Club has created a culture where participation, wellbeing and community sit at the heart of everything it does. Through innovative programmes, volunteer development and strong links with local organisations, the club has expanded opportunities for runners of all abilities. Members regularly highlight the positive impact the club has had on their confidence, health and social wellbeing. By combining excellent leadership with an inclusive approach to participation, East Durham Running Club has become a valued community asset and a leading example of how running clubs can positively affect lives beyond sport.
See more from East Durham Running Club:
Second place: Elswick Harriers
Elswick Harriers combines competitive success with a strong commitment to community participation and athlete development. Through investment in coaching, volunteer education and inclusive programmes, the club supports athletes across a broad range of ages and abilities. Strong leadership and a welcoming culture ensure members receive the support needed to progress while remaining connected to the wider club community. Its commitment to both performance and participation has strengthened athletics throughout the North East and enabled the club to continue providing outstanding opportunities for athletes and volunteers alike.
Third place: Tyne Bridge Harriers
Tyne Bridge Harriers has continued to make a significant contribution to athletics and running across the North East through its welcoming culture, strong community spirit and commitment to supporting runners of all abilities. The club provides opportunities for participation, performance and personal development, helping members achieve their goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through dedicated volunteers, high-quality coaching and a vibrant club community, Tyne Bridge Harriers has created a positive experience for both new and experienced runners. Its commitment to encouraging participation and fostering a sense of belonging has made the club a valued and influential part of the region's running community.
Unsung Project of the Year
Winner: Project Grassroots (Durham City Harriers)
Project Grassroots has transformed junior development at Durham City Harriers through a strategic programme focused on coaching, participation and long-term sustainability. The initiative has successfully recruited and developed new coaches, expanded training capacity and created stronger pathways for young athletes. Junior membership has grown significantly, providing more opportunities for children and families to engage with athletics. The project has also strengthened communication, volunteer involvement and coaching collaboration across disciplines. Through investment in people and development structures, Project Grassroots is helping establish a sustainable future for athletics while creating a positive environment in which young athletes can flourish.
See the project in action:
Runner-up: North East Youth Development League - funetics
The NEYDL funetics programme has introduced hundreds of young people to athletics through a fun, engaging and supportive format. Developed in response to age-group changes, the project provides children with an accessible first experience of training and competition while encouraging progression into club athletics. The initiative has also encouraged parents and volunteers to become involved, strengthening links across the regional athletics community. By focusing on enjoyment, confidence and participation, funetics has helped develop positive experiences that can inspire long-term involvement in the sport and support the next generation of athletes.
Unsung Hero
Kaye Johns (East Durham Running Club)
Kaye Johns has made an extraordinary contribution to East Durham Running Club and the wider community through her leadership, inclusivity and commitment to improving health and wellbeing. A founding member of EDRC, Kaye continues to serve as Vice-Chair and Treasurer, ensuring the club remains financially strong while securing funding for coach development, community projects and new initiatives. When injury prevented her from leading running sessions, she responded by creating the hugely successful Walkie Talkies walking group, ensuring physical activity remained accessible to everyone. Through her work with ParkPlay, Horden Junior parkrun and local community partnerships, Kaye has brought people together, created lasting opportunities and inspired participation across all ages.
Deborah Kell (Bishop Bounders)
Deborah Kell has been the driving force behind the remarkable growth and success of Bishop Bounders. Having joined the original Durham Move Couch to 5K programme as a participant in 2024, Deborah quickly stepped forward to become a qualified Run Leader and establish what would become a thriving community running group. Through her dedication, leadership and selflessness, she has helped grow the group from a beginner Couch to 5K programme into a welcoming club supporting runners of all abilities, with more than 100 people having taken part and around 50 regular members today. Alongside leading multiple weekly sessions, Deborah manages administration, promotes events, builds community partnerships and supports members through both running and personal challenges. Balancing these commitments alongside her full-time role as a foster carer, Deborah's compassion, commitment and tireless work have transformed lives, improved wellbeing and created a supportive running community built on friendship, confidence and inclusion.
Gillian Milne (Claremont Road Runners)
For more than five years, Gillian Milne has been the welcoming heart of Claremont Road Runners. As Membership Secretary, she ensures every prospective and existing member receives a warm, personal and supportive experience, often building relationships long before people attend their first session. Her kindness, patience and attention to detail help nervous newcomers develop confidence and quickly feel part of the club community. Beyond her official role, Gill volunteers across countless areas of club life, from welfare support, club kit and transport coordination to fundraising, event volunteering and race marshalling. She consistently goes above and beyond, quietly solving problems, supporting members through personal challenges and helping people stay connected during difficult periods. Gill's genuine care, enthusiasm and commitment have played a central role in creating the inclusive, welcoming culture for which the club is known, while also inspiring members to become volunteers, advocates and active contributors within the wider running community.
Mari-Louisa Wotton (East Durham Running Club)
Mari-Louisa Wootton has become an invaluable part of East Durham Running Club through her commitment to supporting runners, developing leaders and strengthening the club community. Recognising opportunities to help members progress, she has created supportive pathways for runners looking to tackle longer distances, encouraging people to achieve goals they may never have believed possible. Mari is also a trusted mentor to newer Run Leaders, providing patient guidance and technical support that helps volunteers grow in confidence and capability. Drawing on her professional background as a medical practitioner, she has personally funded and maintained first aid kits for club leaders, enhancing safety across training sessions. Alongside this, initiatives such as social weekend runs and popular ‘dog jogs’ have helped foster friendships, confidence and a strong sense of belonging. Through her kindness, initiative and genuine care for others, Mari has made a lasting impact on the culture, safety and success of East Durham Running Club.
Chris Watson-Pipe (East Durham Running Club)
Since joining East Durham Running Club through its very first Couch to 5K programme, Chris Watson-Pipe has played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s identity, growth and community spirit. As Media Officer, she has used her professional marketing expertise to build the club’s online presence, creating campaigns, videos, graphics and content that have helped attract and retain members while promoting an inclusive and welcoming culture. Chris also manages the club’s website and social media communications, ensuring members and prospective runners feel supported from their very first interaction. More recently, she has strengthened club connections through social events, helping foster friendships, inclusion and a genuine sense of community across EDRC.
Jessica Anderson (Tyne Bridge Harriers)
Jessica Anderson is a shining example of the volunteers who underpin athletics across the North East. Through her extensive work as a field official, Field Referee, club committee member and Treasurer at Tyne Bridge Harriers, she makes a vital contribution both behind the scenes and on the competition field. Jessica regularly volunteers at league fixtures, championship events, open meetings and indoor competitions, helping ensure athletes of all ages can compete in safe, fair and professionally delivered events. Beyond officiating, she freely shares her knowledge, mentors others and is always willing to step forward wherever support is needed. Her commitment extends to parkrun, cross-country events and wider community volunteering, demonstrating a genuine passion for helping others enjoy and succeed in the sport. While giving so much to athletics, Jessica also continues to compete successfully herself, earning the inaugural David Young Trophy and a Masters Cross Country Championship gold medal. Her dedication, humility and selfless service make her an outstanding ambassador for the sport and a truly deserving Unsung Hero.
Emma McCabe (Elvet Striders)
Despite a demanding professional career, Emma McCabe gives an extraordinary amount of time, energy and care to Elvet Striders. As one of the club’s Women’s Captains, she combines empathy, encouragement and leadership to support runners of all abilities, helping members feel valued, confident and included. Emma has strengthened team spirit through her organisation of relay and cross-country teams, coordinated educational sessions on nutrition and fuelling, helped deliver social events and created the much-loved Christmas Carol Run. Her organisational skills, positivity and genuine kindness have enhanced every aspect of club life, making Elvet Striders a more connected, supportive and welcoming community for all.
Sam Redgate (Elvet Striders)
Sam Redgate has become one of the most dependable and influential volunteers at Elvet Striders through her quiet dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting others. As Transport Officer, she manages the complex logistics of coach travel for major events, helping members travel affordably, sustainably and together while removing barriers to participation. Her calm organisation and clear communication ensure everything runs smoothly, often behind the scenes and without recognition. In the past year, Sam also qualified as a Run Leader and now leads the club’s inclusive Monday social runs, creating a welcoming environment for runners of all abilities. Through her reliability, humility and community-focused approach, Sam has strengthened the club’s culture and helped make it more connected, accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Services to Athletics and Running
Graham Bell (Elswick Harriers)
Graham Bell has dedicated many years to supporting athletics through the leadership and delivery of some of the North East's most valued running events. As Event Director and volunteer organiser, he has successfully navigated increasing logistical and operational challenges to safeguard competitions that remain important fixtures in the athletics calendar. His commitment has ensured that thousands of runners continue to benefit from high-quality racing opportunities and strong community events. Through professionalism, dedication and perseverance, Graham has made a lasting contribution to grassroots athletics and running throughout the North East.
Ed Lown (Birtley AC)
For more than 40 years, Ed Lown has dedicated his time, knowledge and enthusiasm to athletics, helping generations of young people discover and develop a love for sport. A long-serving coach at Birtley AC and former PE teacher, Ed has spent countless evenings and weekends supporting athletes of all abilities, always believing every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Under his guidance, athletes have progressed to represent England and compete internationally, while many more have gained confidence, skills and a lifelong passion for athletics. His influence extends beyond coaching, serving athletics through committee roles, team management and community leadership across the region.
Bryan Mackay (Durham City Harriers)
For more than 50 years, Bryan Mackay has been at the heart of grassroots athletics in the North East. As one of the founding members of the modern Durham City Harriers in the 1970s, he helped build the club into a respected regional force while forging the long-standing partnership with Durham University that continues to benefit athletes today. A runner, coach, mentor and event organiser, Bryan devoted decades to developing athletes and supporting coaches, influencing generations of participants. His legacy lives on through events such as the annual Mackay Mile and the countless athletes, volunteers and coaches whose journeys he helped shape through his dedication, kindness and leadership.