Durham Freemasons Charity has provided a further grant of £1,500 to support The King’s Trust Relay Across the Region, a five-day journey linking 18 King’s Trust Team locations across the North East to celebrate the charity’s 50th anniversary and the difference it continues to make to young people’s lives.
The relay arrived at East Durham College in Peterlee as participants carried the baton on its journey from Redcar to Newcastle, travelling by foot, bicycle, fire appliance and boat while undertaking community activities along the route.
Gillian Hutchinson of the Education Training Collective, who coordinates The King’s Trust activity across the delivery partnership, handed over the baton as it moved from the south of the region towards Durham. Gillian was instrumental in establishing the partnership between Durham Freemasons Charity and The King’s Trust delivery partners, which has now grown into three years of support worth nearly £100,000.
Joining the event were Clinton Leeks, Deputy Head of Durham Freemasons Royal Arch and representative of the Norman Jackson Fund, together with Andrew Thompson of Durham Freemasons Charity, who presented the £1,500 grant and wished participants well on the next stage of their journey.
Over the last three years, Durham Freemasons Charity has committed nearly £100,000 to support The King’s Trust Team Programmes delivered across the province through a Dragon’s Den-style initiative. The programme helps young people aged 16 to 25 develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills while delivering projects that benefit local communities.
Andrew Thompson said:
“We are delighted to support this relay celebrating 50 years of The King’s Trust and the remarkable difference it has made to generations of young people. Through our partnership with the delivery partners, we have seen first-hand the confidence, skills and ambition these programmes help young people develop. This additional grant reflects our continued commitment to supporting young people and the organisations that help them realise their potential.”
Gillian Hutchinson said:
“This relay is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate 50 years of The King’s Trust and to showcase the positive impact young people are making in communities across the North East. It has been wonderful to see all of our delivery partners working together to make this happen.
“The support we have received from Durham Freemasons over the last three years has enabled young people to develop confidence, teamwork and communication skills while delivering projects that make a genuine difference in their local communities. We are incredibly grateful for that support.”
Clinton Leeks, Deputy Head of Durham Freemasons Royal Arch and representative of the Norman Jackson Fund, said:
“The Norman Jackson Fund was established to create opportunities for young people and help them fulfil their potential. That is exactly what we see through The King’s Trust Team Programmes. The young people involved in this relay are demonstrating determination, teamwork and community spirit, and we are proud to support both the relay and the wider programme.”
Craig Lawson of East Durham College added:
“It was fantastic to welcome the relay to East Durham College and receive the baton as it continued its journey across the region. The enthusiasm shown by the young people has been inspiring, and the support from Durham Freemasons Charity demonstrates a shared commitment to helping young people build brighter futures.”
The relay will conclude in Newcastle, where participants will celebrate both the completion of the challenge and 50 years of The King’s Trust supporting young people to build confidence, develop skills and achieve their full potential.
