On Sunday 30 March 2008, after pedalling for 45 miles, Gillian Watson from Gateshead, raised £110 for the Gordon Stokoe Trust.

Gillian, 46, an engineering clerk with Stagecoach North East, and ten other women from the Derwent Trekkers cycled the 45 miles from Stanhope to Roker in six hours.

The money raised by Gillian has been added to the sponsorship collected by the other cyclists making £500. Gillian's figure was then match funded by Stagecoach North East giving the Trust a grand total of £610.

The Trust was founded in honour of Gordon Stokoe who died suddenly last year from a brain tumour. Gordon had worked tirelessly for charities and until his untimely death had been working to help poverty stricken families in Tanzania. His partner, Margaret, set up the trust in his memory and the money raised by the charity bike ride will be used to aid education programmes throughout Tanzania.

Gillian said: “I am so pleased to have completed the cycle for the charity as it is such a good cause and obviously close to all our hearts as it is in memory of Gordon. This is longest distance I have ever cycled and I am so relieved to have completed it. No doubt I will be quite sore for some time though! 

“All my colleagues at the depot supported me by making donations and encouraging me, and it was great for the company to match the funds raised too as it has made it all the more worthwhile.”

John Conroy, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East says: “We were pleased to be able to support Gillian and the Derwent Trekkers in their fund raising activity.  The money raised will be put to good use and will have a massive impact upon the children’s education.”