Charity founder honoured for community service

A County Durham charity founder has been recognised for her voluntary service after building an organisation that supports thousands of people experiencing difficult circumstances.

Clair McGregor, who founded Angel Trust in 2018, has received a High Sheriff’s award from Dr Arnab Basu, High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham.

The charity began in a bedroom at a local hotel with a borrowed laptop and has since grown to employ around 30 people.

Angel Trust provides services including homelessness support, counselling and foodbanks, alongside its Safe Night Hub.

The hub supports people facing homelessness or leaving hospital by providing warm beds, hot showers, home-cooked meals, clothing and laundry facilities.

Visitors can also access counselling and navigator services, including help completing online forms and benefits paperwork.

The charity’s reach extends to families across the county, with its 2025 Christmas toy appeal distributing more than 15,000 donated toys to children.

Despite Angel Trust’s growth, Clair continues to volunteer daily and remains directly involved with people accessing its services.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award.

“To see how far we’ve come is something I’m incredibly proud of.

“This award is also a reflection of our brilliant staff, trustees and volunteers because none of what we do would be possible without them.”

High Sheriff’s awards recognise individuals and organisations whose voluntary work makes a significant contribution to communities across the county.

Dr Arnab Basu, High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham, added: “Clair’s commitment to Angel Trust and the people it supports is remarkable.

“What began with a borrowed laptop has grown into an organisation which is there for countless families and individuals when they need help.

“She has worked tirelessly to build the charity, earn the trust of the community and make sure that support is there day after day.

“Recognising people like Clair is exactly what the High Sheriff’s awards are about, and it was a pleasure to present her with this award for voluntary service.”

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