Dear Sir,
A man who worked so hard raising funds to help local organisations, will be sadly missed and always remembered.
Godfrey Bennett Allsorts Charity Shop
Dear Sir,
It came as a great shock to hear of the demise of my old friend, Honest John Hilton. John has done much for the community of Great Aycliffe and beyond through his charitable contributions and support for worthwhile projects.
Much of the great work carried out in our communities was either financed by John, or has been carried out by groups who have received funding from him. My own organisation Little ACORNS has received support previously from his community fund and we are very grateful for the help we received.
Honest John Hilton will be a name cemented into the history of our community for eternity, as one of our foremost local heroes and he will be missed by all who knew him as a kind, cheery soul, who took time to talk to everyone.
Best wishes,
Ken Robson
Dear Sir,
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of John Hilton, affectionately known as Honest John, on Friday 28th February after what appears to have been a short illness. It is very evident and well documented what John has done through his fundraising for so many clubs, charities and organisations over the past twelve years. He always spoke with empathy and compassion for others whom he saw as less fortunate than himself and never wished to receive any recognition.
I wish to sincerely thank John for the generous donations towards the MRI Scanners at Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland Hospitals as well as the Chemotherapy Centre at University Hospital North Durham. The installation of the scanners, now nearly two years ago, are having huge benefits for many people.
John told me more than once that his satisfaction was knowing that his work was making a difference to the lives of others. His creativity in utilising unwanted items for the purpose of fundraising and not forgetting protection of our environment are worthy of any innovation.
John will be greatly missed for many reasons and I do hope that there will be some form of acknowledgement for him for the significant contribution he has made to our community. I do know that John was well supported and cared for by Val and my deepest sympathy is extended to her at this very sad time.
Professor Paul Keane, OBE
Dear Sir,
It was incredibly sad to hear that Honest John passed away last Friday.
I last saw John in early February when I called in to see him and there was no sign of what was to come, just John doing what John did and what a fantastic contribution he made over the years.
I was able to call him last week and he was content in himself, just very tired but not frightened by death. It was a privilege to know him and in some small way try to support him.
My thoughts are with those closest to him, they will miss him the most, but he should never be forgotten by us all.
It is people like John who are the real fabric that keeps society together and his inspiration will, hopefully encourage others to follow.
R.I.P. John, you will leave a big hole.
Paul Howell
Member of Parliament for Sedgefield
Dear Sir,
When I penned my letter as a tribute to the retiring Honest John last week, little did I know that it would be printed and John would not get the opportunity to read it. I saw the sad news on The Newton News Facebook site on Saturday that he had passed away the night before after being rushed to Hospital during the day.
I feel it is important that we remember the work of this man and hopefully continue his legacy within the Newton Aycliffe community. It would be good if his friends and customers could all rally round and at the very least clear any outstanding commitments such as rent, electricity etc. I know just last year John had news of a rent increase an increase that led to some local businesses moving on.
I have attended a number of well run charity nights at The Big Club it is something they do really well in the heart of the town centre. Wouldn’t it be good if we could have a memorial night with local entertainers including a few Beatles songs of course, run raffles etc. Display his signs with his well know caricature on them in the entrance and on the stage.
Let’s raise a couple of thousand pounds, any surplus after clearing commitments should go to local charities. I know John would have loved this, a final deed to local people. As an avid Newton News and social media reader I have noticed the work done by Community Spirit Newton Aycliffe. They would probably use the funds for the good of the town’s people.
Some have suggested a seat with his name on it. This would be another good idea, maybe on the spot where his market stall started, if the Town Centre management would agree. Place it outside where the newsagent used to be.
So, I end this with a repeat from last week’s letter, thank you John for the bit’s and bobs, thank you John for your work in the Newton Aycliffe community and thank you John for the friendship you gave us all.
Darren Clarke
