05/06/2026
Meet George 💚
George Stafford, originally from Ebchester, is currently living in Greenways Court, Consett.
He will turn 100 on 30th May, and in celebration, he plans to do a somewhat spontaneous sponsored walk. George told us: “I didn’t really plan it, I just woke up one morning and thought that it was something I wanted to do. If it’s good enough for Captain Tom, it’s good enough for me!”
George, who walks independently but with the use of a stick, will walk 1.5 miles from The Travellers Rest back to Greenway Court. The route was chosen for its terrain and will see him walk past a local school that has kindly arranged for the children to cheer him on when he passes by. George said: “I used to be a teacher, it’ll be nice to have the children wave me on. I’ve never been one to just go for a walk, unless it was on the golf course, but it’s been a long time since I did that. I don’t intend on doing any practice – I’m just saving myself for the big day. I love the staff here at Greenways Court, and they’ll keep me right on the day.”
When asked about his reason for choosing to fundraise for St Cuthbert’s, George explained: “My daughter-in-law Judith was cared for a few years ago at St Cuthbert’s Hospice. She spent a fortnight in their wonderful care, and I visited her a few times during that period. It was very impressive with beautiful gardens and a greenhouse. It’s a nice way to give back and I just want to make some money for them.”
It was an absolute delight to meet George ahead of his 100th birthday and hear all about his fundraising plans.
If you’d like to sponsor him please visit: https://gofund.me/6b0fb75a9
