A LADY formerly from Hill End, Frosterley, has completed her 22nd Great North Run.
Gillian Hutchinson, nee Nelson, aged 47, first began her marathon of half marathons in 1997 and last weekend did it again for the 22nd year. For the last decade, she has raised funds through the GNR for the community fund she helped to found and has run along with her sister-in-law, Allison Nelson.
The David Nelson Memorial Fund, which provides and maintains defibrillators throughout the Dale, in every village and hamlet, was founded in April 2015, shortly after David died suddenly from a heart attack aged 61. David was Gillian’s father and his life may have been saved had there been a defibrillator available and they wanted to create a safety net in Weardale. For over ten years, they have tirelessly raised money and encouraged others to do so in order that these life-saving machines are constantly available and in working order.
Gillian and Allison, aided by David’s widow, Linda, and all of the family, including his son, Andrew and grandchildren Sophie, Aaron, Harry and Bobby, work hard to keep the defibs in the public mind. Over 450 have attended defib awareness sessions in Weardale to learn too.
David Nelson was a well-known self-employed builder whose name lives on thanks to his family and the people of the Dale who continue to donate to the fund. The defibrillators are in place but they do take a lot of maintenance to keep them available to all, which is why the fund must continue to raise money.
To date, they have managed to install 21 community access defibrillators around the Dale. Lives have already been saved in Weardale thanks to David’s family and it also helps to maintain his memory.
If you would like to donate or support the defib fund contact Gillian on 07779059321 or Allison on 07854 736954, or search for the David Nelson Memorial Fund on Facebook.
