An appeal to create a new playground at a North East primary school as a legacy for a beloved headteacher has raised more than £100,000.
Prince Regent Street Trust, and Friends of Hartburn Primary, launched the appeal after the school’s headteacher, Claire Park, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease nearly a year ago.
The ongoing appeal reached its latest stage with a successful charity ball – attended by Claire as guest of honour – at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield.
So far, £82,000 has now been raised towards creating and equipping the playground, plus more than £30,000 for the MND Association.
It means the new playground – to be named ‘Mrs Park’s Park’ – can begin redevelopment, with work starting on August 10.
Friends of Hartburn Primary School have further events planned over the summer term to enable the park to be even better equipped than first envisaged, maximising the benefits to children.
“I’m absolutely speechless – it just shows how much love there is for Claire,” said Jill Ellison, Chair of the Friends of Hartburn Primary.
The glittering charity ball, at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, contributed £28,000 to the overall total, through ticket sales, auction, raffle and sponsorship from local businesses including PJL Consultancy Ltd, David Wilson and Barratt Homes, and One IT Services.
A series of ‘Hikes for Claire’ – organised by her best friend, Gill Ball – raised £20,000 for the MND Association, while a 100-mile run by Claire’s husband, Matthew, contributed more than £10,000 to the charity.
In a moving speech, read out at the ball by Prince Regent Street Trust chief executive, Julia Armstrong, Claire said: “You are all helping to create a lasting legacy: a special place where children can socialise, have fun, learn, and truly thrive.
"There is no better gift we could give future generations of Hartburn pupils.
"You may struggle to understand my voice, and my smile is changing, but please know how much this night, and everyone of you, means to me.
"Thank you for your generosity, your kindness, and your belief in creating something truly special.
"Drink, dance and be merry.”
The idea for a new Key Stage 2 playground had first been suggested by Claire in 2024 because tree roots were breaking through the existing surface, unsafe areas had to be taped off, and it flooded whenever it rained.
Recommended Reading
-
Barnard Castle boy diagnosed with rare cancer after complaining of a sore neck
-
BBC 'Charity Shop Girl' Jen helps to open hospice superstore in North East town
-
North Yorkshire farmers tell Prince of Wales they could be last generation to farm
A “completely mad” four-year plan was drawn up by ‘The Friends’ to make her dream come true, with an original target of £50,000.
However, when Claire was diagnosed with MND, it became a mission to finish the project early in her honour, and to raise even more money.
Despite her devastating illness, Claire – a mum of two teenage girls – remained involved in the planning and opted for the most ambitious designs to maximise the benefits to children.
As well as the fundraising appeal, the Prince Regent Street Trust also arranged activities to raise awareness of MND across its five other schools: Barley Fields Primary at Ingleby Barwick; Kader Academy, at Middlesbrough; Oxbridge Lane Primary, at Stockton; Village Primary at Thornaby; and Wolviston Primary.
Chair of Prince Regent Street Trust, Kay Steven, ended the charity ball by praising everyone involved in the initiative, describing it as “an outstanding achievement”.
Trust CEO Julia Armstrong added: “It has been deeply moving to see how this campaign has touched so many hearts.
"The response has been truly heart-warming, and the result will be a fitting legacy for a very special person and a much-loved headteacher.”
