Great North Walk 2007

This was the second consecutive year the walk had been held in Darlington and perhaps surprisingly, there were glorious sunshine and not the mud bath, which everyone had feared. With great weather and enthusiastic walkers the stage was set for a brilliant few hours of fundraising and trekking through the hills, farmland and countryside of Darlington.

First home in a time of 1hour 45 minutes, was Miles Copeland. This was the third year in a row Miles had finished ahead of the field. But this wasn't a race this was 3500 people gathering for one cause, to raise money for charity.

The main beneficiary of the Great North Walk was Diabetes UK, who was involved with the walk for the first time. But Diabetes UK weren't the only one to gain on the day. Others such as Great North Air Ambulance and Motor Neurone association all had people walking for them. Others raised money for worthy causes like a school mini bus. Plus everyone taking part was also there to enjoy the occasion and the rare few hours of good sunshine.

As the name suggested most people in the Diabetes UK Great North Walk were raising money for them. So I spoke to Rosemary Thomas, Director of Operations for Diabetes UK, who told me " All the money raised will go towards providing care and support for those with the condition, as well as funding research into the causes and cures of diabetes.

At around 3pm, the event along with the entertainment was brought to a close. Organisers hope that many people taking part would return to Darlington after the event. They also hope the event will stay permanently in Darlington, allowing the town to have a highly successful event annually in Darlington.

Chris Sykes