Claire Park was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May 2025 after feeling unwell for around a year
Supporters gather on Saltburn beach ahead of the final sponsored walk(Image: UGC)
More than £20,000 has been raised for charity after an Ingleby Barwick woman completed a year-long sponsored walk challenge in honour of her inspirational best friend. When Claire Park, headteacher of Hartburn Primary School, in Stockton, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), her best friend Gillian Ball pledged to hold one walk a month to raise money.
Now, a year on, Gillian – together with Claire’s friends, family and supporters – has raised £23,200 through the 12 walks for the MND Association, funding research into the condition. Gillian said: “It’s incredible that we’ve got to the twelfth hike a year on from Claire’s diagnosis. It’s really overwhelming.
“More than 100 people turned out for this last one, which is a fantastic result – it’s a true reflection of Claire and just how many lives she’s touched, and continues to touch. She’s such an inspiration.”
Beloved headteacher Claire Park (left) was at the finish line to meet the supporters, including her best friend organiser Gillian Ball(Image: UGC)
Claire had been feeling unwell for a year but was struggling to find out what was wrong. However, in May 2025, she was given the unthinkable news she was suffering from MND following an MRI scan.
This month, friends, family, and colleagues from across the Prince Regent Street Trust, which operates Hartburn Primary School, finished the final walk in Saltburn, completing a three-mile circuit beginning and ending at the town’s seafront by the pier, meeting Claire at the finish line. Many wore clothes proclaiming them to be part of ‘Claire’s Army’.
Hayley and Nathaniel Morgan, Claire’s sister and nephew, were part of ‘Claire’s Army'(Image: UGC)
(Image: UGC)
Julia Armstrong, chief executive of the trust, said: “Claire has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and supporting colleagues, so it has meant a great deal to see that same kindness and generosity returned to her.
“Gillian’s walks have brought together not just our school community, but friends, families and colleagues from across the Trust. It’s been wonderful to see such a remarkable show of support.”
Gillian added: “I only set out to raise £1,500, so to have raised more than £23,000 is just incredible. Thank you to everyone for their support, for taking part, and to everyone who has donated.”
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