Retirement for Darlington hospice fundraiser after almost four decades of 'unwavering' service

Nigel Browne, 75, of Darlington, has raised tens of thousands of pounds for St Teresa's Hospice over the last three and a half decades.

Now he is finally hanging up his collection boxes and urging the Darlington community to step up at one of the most challenging times in its history.

• Darlington school's Santa Dash raises hundreds for hospice

He said: “It is an absolutely fantastic place, full of beautiful people doing an amazing job and the in-patient unit is incredible.”

The hospice has continued to operate during the pandemic against a backdrop of countless fundraising events cancelled and its chain of charity shops closed by lockdown restrictions.

Nigel and his wife, Wendy, fundraising for the hospice at Darlington College

Nigel and his wife, Wendy, fundraising for the hospice at Darlington College

Back in the mid-80s. Nigel was one of the first to respond to an appeal for a hospice launched by Yvonne Rowe with the help of The Northern Echo, Darlington and Stockton Times and Evening Despatch.

He said: “I remember the first meeting was chock-a-block and we became good friends with Yvonne.

“In 1986 I organised my first sponsored walk with a cousin and two policemen friends to celebrate my 40th birthday, about 13-miles to Bishopton and Great Stainton, which raised about £500."

Another 15-mile walk in Swaledale followed, raising more than £1,000 and Nigel then took on collection boxes and got them up to around 50 in Teesdale alone.

He added: "Even the one in our hall raised about £2,500 over the years.”

Dr Harry Byrne presents Nigel with his Honorary Life Membership at Sherwoods, in Darlington, in November 2015

Dr Harry Byrne presents Nigel with his Honorary Life Membership at Sherwoods, in Darlington, in November 2015

Nigel’s first wife Liz died on Christmas night nine days after giving birth to their son and as a result Nigel volunteered for the hospice’s bereavement team.

After being made redundant by Rothmans he organised a night security and porter service at St Teresa’s for six years.

After retiring in 2010 Nigel continued to fundraise and instead of receiving presents for his ruby wedding anniversary with second wife Wendy, they asked for donations, raising £405.

• Hospice facing challenging times due to pandemic

His efforts were recognised in 2015 when he was made an honorary life member.

Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Nigel’s dedication and commitment to the hospice has been unwavering.

"He has brought so much comfort to patients and their families over the years, many in their darkest hours and raised a phenomenal amount of money.

“His service has been exemplary and humbling and we can’t thank him enough. Even as he retires he is still trying to help us with his heartfelt appeal for donations.

"As an honorary life member of our charity, which is an accolade awarded for outstanding service, I’m delighted to say that his association with St Teresa’s will continue for many years to come.”