Brothers’ charity day to keep mother’s legacy alive

Brothers Benjamin and Lucas Duncan will go head-to-head in a charity football match this weekend to raise funds for two men’s charities - in memory of their mother and the former head of East Durham College who died two years ago.

Suzanne Duncan, who was principal at East Durham College for more than 12 years, passed away shortly after her retirement in August 2024 following a battle with cancer. 

Now, for the second year running, her sons Benj, aged 26, and Lucas, 23, have arranged a charity football game at the college’s Peterlee campus in Willerby Grove to raise money for a local men’s mental health charity, Men Together Durham and StrongMen, a national men’s bereavement charity.

Last year, as well as raising more than £5000, Lucas’ team won the big clash, which was held at the college’s Houghall base near Durham.

And while Steve may not be playing in the game on Saturday himself - although he will play a part in the kick-off with their seven-year-old niece, Zara Dudgeon, before the pair will be immediately substituted. 

Zara will be wearing a specially made shirt with ‘Aunty Sue’ 23 on the back - the date of Suzanne’s birthday. 

Steve is wearing a shirt adorned with ‘X+1’ on the reverse - the stoic formula for life, Steve says.

Suzanne was a well-known figure in education throughout the North East, and the UK, and earlier this year the three of them accepted an honorary doctorate which posthumously awarded by Durham University - although Suzanne was still alive when the degree was originally awarded.

Dad Steve, a former police officer, was present at the emotional ceremony at Durham University in January with Lucas, who is now on the verge of completing his Business Master’s degree at Northumbria University and Ben, an engineering lecturer at Hartlepool College.

Steve said: “The boys wanted to do something to remember her by. 

“They do not want her to be forgotten. 

“She was incredibly proud to have been awarded an honorary doctorate by Durham University in recognition of her contribution to education. 

“Although she accepted the honour, she sadly passed away before the ceremony could take place in January.

‘That day was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do in my life.

“She deserved the recognition. 

“Although she was quite an introvert and hated the attention, she deserved it, particularly for her contribution to land-based colleague nationally, not just locally. 

“When you look at that, she should have been awarded an OBE.

“So, this is about much more than a football day. 

“It’s a chance to keep her memory alive and honour her legacy by raising money for two charities that mean a great deal to our family and have done so much to help us.

“And we wanted to raise money for charities which help men in these types of circumstances, and who do so much to help men of all ages. 

“There are thousands of charities supporting women, but far fewer organisations dedicated to helping men through difficult times and providing the mental health support they need.

“They really are lifesaving. StrongMen certainly saved my life.” 

The charity day – which will also feature a raffle for signed football shirts, including a rare Sunderland shirt, food trucks, vendors and family entertainment – starts with an open seven-a-side tournament which starts at 10am.

That will be followed by the 80-minute match between brothers’ two starting XIs which they have assembled from friends and family.

Steve added: “Lucas’ team won last year, so there has been plenty of banter between the pair of them, particularly over the last few weeks. 

“They’ve always been close, which is how we brought them up, but even more so since Suzanne died. 

“They’re very supportive of each other - mind you, that might be forgotten for an hour and a bit when the game kicks off!”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.