Retired GP to run 88 miles for Derwent Hill

A retired GP and renowned fell runner is set to run 88 miles from Keswick to Sunderland to support local children in need. 

Dr Julie Carter aims to raise £10,000 for Derwent Hill, an outdoor activity centre where she found her passion for running and mountaineering as a teenager.

Located on the outskirts of Keswick, Derwent Hill is owned by Sunderland City Council and operated by Together for Children. 

It welcomes more than 2600 children each year for residential visits, with more than 80 per cent living in and around Sunderland.  

Julie, born and raised in Sunderland, is aiming to fund a five-day residential stay at Derwent Hill for 30 young children who would otherwise miss out due to financial pressures. 

The run, which will take Julie across moorland, the Pennine Way and through Teesdale and Weardale before heading towards Chester-le-Street and following the River Wear into Sunderland, marks both her 60th birthday and her gratitude towards the centre.

Julie, who as well as being a champion fell runner and GP has also been an open water swimmer, playwright, actor and author, said: “As a teenager, I felt that I didn’t really fit in anywhere or know what I was doing with my life, and I think these feelings are still very common for young people today. 

“I could have easily gone down the wrong path, but the support I was given at Derwent Hill, whether it be through social activities, team-building exercises or the life skills I was taught, made that time of my life a lot more survivable and helped me to find myself, and importantly, what I loved doing.   

“It’s a beautiful world out there and whether through circumstances, poverty or financial cost, many children today simply don’t get to see it. 

“Experiences like Derwent Hill can have an extremely positive, profound and long-lasting effect on young people, like it did me, and so it would be great if I can raise enough money to send a class of schoolchildren from Sunderland to enjoy this amazing place.”  

Ray Ross, from the Friends of Derwent Hill charity, added: “We’re proud Derwent Hill has had such a lasting impact on Julie’s life for over 40 years, and honoured that she is now raising money to send a group of children to the centre as a way of saying thank you. 

“Her resilience is awe-inspiring, and it is a real privilege to have her continuous support.”  

Supported by Together for Children, Julie will complete the run within 48 hours and be greeted by friends, family, supporters and local schoolchildren at Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.

Simon Marshall, Together for Children chief executive, added: “It’s wonderful that Julie is taking on this challenge for Derwent Hill, and I’m sure she will receive a lot of support. 

“We wish her all the best in her efforts and look forward to cheering her home.” 

Donations can be made via Friends of Derwent Hill’s JustGiving Page. For businesses looking to find out more, email derwent.hill@sunderland.gov.uk

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →