County Durham & Tees Valley Charity Awards Sponsored by Southern Cross Healthcare

On Thursday 1st November 2007 the County Durham & Tees Valley Charity Awards took place at the Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield. Southern Cross Healthcare was the official sponsors of the Health and Welfare Charities category (including Elderly). Nominations included charities from Darlington, Durham, Teesside, Tyne and Wear and York.

In a category which demonstrated the superb work carried out by charities throughout the area the competition was fierce. Ultimately, it was the Darlington Town Mission that was triumphant. Derek Mills was presented with the award by Phil Whittaker Managing Director on behalf of Darlington Town Mission.

The charity was set up in 1838 to help relieve poverty in the town. Today the charity acts as a life line to elderly people who are housebound. A group of volunteers collect individuals and take them on trips to the theatre or out for afternoon tea. They also visit people who are confined to their homes on a regular basis offering practical support and a listening ear. A further group of volunteers visit local nursing homes to hold Christian Worship for the residents and provide social contact.

While presenting Derek Mills with the award Phil Whittaker said: "Southern Cross is delighted to be involved with such a worthwhile event, which highlights the important work carried out across the charity sector. The Darlington Town Mission charity is an invaluable service for the elderly community in Darlington and it deserves to be recognised for its continued commitment."

The charity awards ceremony was attended by several other representatives from Southern Cross, namely: Lorraine Ingledew Operations Director, Tom Dudding, Estates Manager, Lynn Clark, Care Centre Manager, Jill Carr, Care Centre Manager, Michelle Armin, Operations Manager, Beth Robinson, Care Centre Manager, Janet Brown, Care Centre Manager, Enid Coffey, Care Centre Manager and Angela Proctor, Acting Operations Manager.