On Wednesday 19th April, William Cooksey, our 101 year old Community Champion, was invited to London for a visit to Parliament by Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield. The reason for the invite was to watch a film ‘The Great North – A Run – A River – A Region’ in the Jubilee Room in the Palace of Westminster.
As you are aware, William has entered this years Great North Run in September, our MP thought it was rather fitting for him to attend the film.
William was chaperoned by Gavin and Debbie Iceton for the duration, travelling by train to Kings Cross, London where Paul met us on arrival in the capital with an extra special treat, a photo opportunity outside 10 Downing Street. As you can see we made the most of it and advertised our fabulous local magazine, Bill’s Great North Run Number and Five Acres Community Garden.
Following this, we made our way to Westminster to watch the film, which was marvellous – it tells the story in the context of the North East’s changing social, cultural and industrial landscape, it was actually very emotional to watch.
After the film we were invited to the Speakers House where we enjoyed speeches from Sir Brendan Foster CBE, Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield, and Emma Lewell-Buck, MP for South Shields. Paula Radcliffe MBE was present and we also met Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. Bill was overwhelmed by everyone who congratulated him on his amazing fund-raising efforts on behalf of the NHS Trust Foundation, his continued chosen charity – Bill also had a special connection with Brendan Fosters first Coach ‘Stan Long’ as Stan was Bills Brother-in-Law, so Brendan happily chatted to Bill about him.
We would like to thank everyone who was involved, special thanks to Paul Howell, Mediquip, Gestamp and Community Spirit, who sponsored the trip and to everyone who made this memorable day possible for Bill – a day he will never forget!
Please donate to this worthy cause, add gift aid if you’re a UK Taxpayer, as that’s another 25%, the online link to the donation page is: https://greatnorthrun2023.enthuse.com/pf/william-cooksey – donations are also accepted at Newton Press reception.
Photo: Paul Howell, Debbie Iceton, Paula Radcliffe, Bill Cooksey, Brendan Foster