Our People

Our fantastic trustees, patrons, ambassadors and volunteers donate endless hours of their time to our cause. These people are a credit to the charity, and we appreciate all their support.

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  • From organising events, to arranging prizes, handling nominations, marketing, merchandise, donations and dealing with the media - our people do it all (including some actually taking part in events themselves!) Our trustees are a credit to the charity, and we appreciate everything they do for Brave Hearts of the North East.

    Our Trustees:
    Kris Forster, Jim Knight, Dave Hodgkins, Chris Metcalfe, Ian Shanks, Thomas Nelson, Ivan Jepson, Debbie Murray, Tom Shanks, Pam Air, David Wilson, Michael Embleton

    Our President:
    Robin Alexander

    Our Chair:
    Mark Atkinson

    Our Secretary:
    Rob Hart

    Our Treasurer:
    Leanne Lee

  • Our work simply couldn't happen without our amazing supporters who raise the money that funds it. Whether you are taking part in or organising an event, holding a cake sale, or even growing a moustache, there's so many ways you can help.

    All of our work is done by our fantastic volunteers with the help of donations. Every penny donated goes towards putting a smile back onto a child's face. Each year we have a number of runners taking part in the Great North Run for us and in recent years we have raised almost £10,000 from this annual event. If you would like to run for us please get in touch.

“The charity has helped and given awards to over 760 children since 1989, with every penny raised being spent on the children. I am delighted and proud that today, we have such a talented Board of Trustees with different skills capable of taking Brave Hearts of the North East forward in the years to come.”

— Robin Alexander, President

Our Patrons

  • As a Patron of Brave Hearts of the North East, the charity is close to Mark’s heart and he regularly provides support wherever possible. In the past he has presented Awards to children personally.

    “Over the last twenty years, it's been most encouraging to see Brave Hearts Of The North East go from strength to strength, since one brave youngster, 11 year-old Joanne Gillespie, wrote a book about her experiences in order to help other children. This excellent charity has helped over 400 children and their families to date and now, with an updated website which will enable supporters to follow events and to donate online it is set to go on to even greater things.

    It is an honour to have been associated with Brave Hearts of the North East for so long and wish it every success for the future.”

    - MK

  • “I am proud and honoured to be a Patron of this amazing Charity and of the work it does to acknowledge the bravery and courage of 5-16 year old children from the North East of England.

    From the Borders to Cumbria and South to Teesside, Brave Hearts of the North East acknowledges children many who have a daily battles to overcome serious illness and injury.

    I am privileged to have been present at many awards ceremonies at St. James’ Park, and to see at first hand the smiles and inspiration that the award winners all display, when receiving their awards.

    Proud parents, family and friends are all there to celebrate in a truly heartwarming occasion.

    Keep up the great work Brave Hearts of the North East.”

    - BC