The fundraising efforts of Port of Blyth staff have been rewarded as a huge sum has been donated to charity in memory of well respected colleague who sadly passed away in 2016 as a result of motor neurone disease.
Two colleagues, Ross Dixon and George Calder, arranged a recent sponsored walk in memory of workmate and friend Barry Thirlwell (pictured) which was supported by colleagues throughout the Port. More than £1700 has now been collected for the MND Association to support they work they do with MND sufferers and their families.
The walk was arranged to coincide with the first anniversary of Barry’s passing and covered a distance of 7.5 miles between the Port’s South Harbour and Battleship Wharf terminals. The terminals were appropriate as they were where Barry started and finished his career.
The team consisted of family, friends and colleagues – 18 in total – including Barry’s daughters, his brother and other family members.
Barry was 48 when he died – a warm, friendly family man but a terrier when it came to discussions about North East football! He loved playing 5-a-side, Newcastle United and ska music. He is sadly missed by colleagues throughout the Port.
Online donations are still being accepted via the Remembering Barry Thirlwell Just Giving page.
