A VALUED community hospice has been named as the official charity of Durham County Council’s new chairman.
Councillor Watts Stelling has announced his support for Willow Burn Hospice, in Lanchester.
The 69-year-old is the second longest-serving member of the authority, having represented the Leadgate and Medomsley ward since 2001.
He also served as a Derwentside District Councillor from May 1999.
Cllr Stelling was married to his wife Yvonne until her death from breast cancer in 2017 and has two daughters and two grandchildren.
Cllr Stelling said: “I’m delighted to be able to support Willow Burn Hospice in my role as chairman of the council.
“The staff and volunteers there do such an amazing job, providing care, comfort and compassion at the end of life, supporting not only patients but also their families and friends at a time when they need it most.”
Some staff and members of Durham County Council have also chosen to contribute to the charity.
Willow Burn Hospice has been chosen as the chairman's official charity
Paul Jackson, who is the chairman of the board at Willow Burn Hospice, said: “I look forward to welcoming Cllr Stelling and his colleagues to Willow Burn, so that they can see first-hand the impact that regularly giving small amounts can have on charities and the difference they have made to hospice care in County Durham.”
A former pupil of Leadgate Junior School and Moorside Secondary Modern, Cllr Stelling studied at Consett Technical College and Newcastle Polytechnic and has a Diploma in Business Administration from Newcastle University.
On leaving school, Cllr Stelling was an apprentice professional footballer at Derby County under Brian Clough. ter a year out with injury, he also played in the Northern League for Stanley Crook, Consett, Evenwood, Esh Winning and also Rookhope and Annfield Plain between 1970 and 1983.
Cllr Stelling during his playing days
He worked as an Industrial Analytical Chemist at Consett Steelworks from 1968 until 1980, then at Newcastle University as a laboratory manager until his retirement.
He added: “I’m looking forward to spending the next 12 months promoting our fantastic county, meeting with residents and raising money for my chosen charity.
“It is an honour.”
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